Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast 1 loaf French bread cut into about 8 slices about ¾ inch thick slices 6 eggs 2 cups half-and-half 3/4 cup sugar + 2 Tablespoons divided 1 8 oz package of cream cheese ½ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 pint of strawberries sliced Garnish: maple syrup and powdered sugar Spray a 9x13 inch glass baking pan with non-stick vegetable spray. Arrange bread slices in pan in a single layer; set aside. In a bowl, cream sugar and cream cheese. Add remaining ingredients (except strawberries and garnish) whisk together until completely smooth. Pour evenly over bread slices until covered. Cover and chill overnight, or until most liquid is absorbed. Bake, uncovered, on center rack of oven at 400 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes, until puffy and golden. Sprinkle remaining sugar over strawberries and let sit for a couple minutes. Serve with fresh sliced strawberries and powdered sugar or maple syrup.