1/2 c. strawberries, sliced or chopped
5 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 loaf French bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
10 eggs
3/4 c. half and half
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. melted butter
Strawberry Sauce (see below)

The night before: Combine strawberries with cream cheese. Spread thickly on 1/2 of bread slices and top with remaining bread slices. Mix eggs, half and half (cream) and vanilla in wide shallow pan. Place "sandwiches" in pan, turning to cover and coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

On the morning of serving: Coat edge of cookie sheet or baking pans with butter. Transfer sandwiches. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until golden. Serve with warmed Strawberry Sauce.

Strawberry Sauce:

1 qt. strawberries
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. water

Combine all the ingredients and cook 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove and cool.

Submitted by: Gayle Morgan