1 (10 oz.) loaf French or Italian bread
8 lg. eggs
3 c. milk
4 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. butter
Cinnamon, if desired

Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Cut bread into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange in one layer on bottom of pan. Sprinkle bread with cinnamon. Dot top with butter. Beat eggs with remaining ingredients and pour over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate 4-36 hours.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until puffy and light brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with hot maple syrup. Terrific for brunch or as is and easy, no fuss breakfast for Christmas morning!