French Toast Casserole

Ingredients
1 loaf french bread, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 block cream cheese, very soft
9 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup + 3 T brown sugar
1/4 tsp maple flavoring
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
powdered sugar

Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 3 T brown sugar, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Spread on one side of bread and top with second slice. Cut loaf into 1 inch cubes. Place in well greased 11x13 inch pan. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp maple flavoring, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 3/4 tsp cinnamon. Pour over bread, cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least for 2 hours)
Preheat oven to 350 F and bake for 45-60 minutes til brown and crunchy on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with syrup.
Variation: Top with pecans for last 5 minutes of baking.