SAUSAGE & FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

1 pkg. (10 oz.) any flavor Jimmy Dean fresh pork link sausage, cooked and drained (& cut into pieces)

1 loaf round Hawaiian bread, cubed

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, cut into cubes

6 large eggs

4 cups half & half

2 tsp. vanilla extract (needs more)

½ cup butter, melted

Strawberry Sauce

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

1 jar (10 oz.) strawberry preserves

Whipped cream (optional)

Arrange half of bread cubes in lightly greased 9”x13” pan. Place cooked link pieces on top of bread. Top with cream cheese cubes and cover with remaining bread. Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla and butter together and pour over top; pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Cover and chill overnight. Bake covered @ 350º for 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly. *Strawberry sauce: In a sauce pan over low heat, combine sliced strawberries and preserves until mixture is well blended. Serve over warm casserole. Top w/whipped cream if desired.

*Instead of the strawberry sauce, I just used warm maple syrup.