Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
1 lb loaf French bread, unsliced, cubed
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk or light cream or half-and-half cream
6 teaspoons butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

APPLE CIDER SYRUP (use 1 cup)
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter (I like Cabot's)

Directions
1Grease a 13 x 9 pan.
2Cut bread into cubes (you should end up with about 12 cups).
3Place half bread cubes in pan.
4Top with cream cheese cubes.
5Top with remaining bread cubes.
6Beat together eggs, milk, melted butter, and maple syrup.
7Pour egg mixture evenly over bread cubes and cream cheese.
8Slightly press down with spatula to moisten.
9Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
10When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap and bake in oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 45 minutes or until center appears set and edges are lightly golden.
11Top with Apple Cider Syrup. Recipe is posted.
12Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.