Apple and Sausage French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Syrup

Directions

1. Spread cubed bread in a single layer on 2 sheet pans and bake in a 325 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Cool slightly then transfer bread into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla.
3. Sprinkle the raisins, dried apples, chopped apple and the sausage over the bread. Now pour the egg mixture over the bread. With a spoon, gently push the bread down until it is soaked.
4. You can bake it now or cover with foil and refrigerate overnight to bake in the morning. If you are baking it in the morning -for the first person that gets up in the morning - leave the casserole at room temperature while you turn on the oven and it preheats. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F, for 35 - 45 minutes just until the center is set.
5. While the french toast is baking or the night before, prepare the cinnamon syrup. It can be microwaved to heat it up. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan. Combine the water and corn starch in a measuring cup then pour into the pan.
6. Cook over medium heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring often. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and butter. It will be the consistency of syrup.
7. When the french toast is out of the oven drizzle some syrup over it and serve the rest on the side. By now everyone has smelled it cooking and they will be ready to eat! Serve hot.