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Cherry Strata

Cherry Strata
Caterer Carrie Sherrill of Forestville, Wisconsin relates, "This dressed-up French toast always gets rave reviews!"
6-8 ServingsPrep: 35 min. Bake: 35 min.

Ingredients

  • 12 cups day-old Italian bread cubes (1/2-inch cubes)
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • CHERRY SYRUP:
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) sour cherries, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

  • Place 8 cups of the bread cubes in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking
  • pan. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and extract until
  • smooth. Stir in cherries and pecans; spoon over bread. Top with
  • remaining bread cubes.
  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cinnamon and remaining sugar; pour over
  • bread. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until
  • browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • For syrup, combine cherries, sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan;
© Taste of Home 2013

2 of 2

Cherry Strata (continued)

Directions (continued)

  • bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the
  • heat; stir in extract. Serve warm over strata. Yield: 6-8 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 716 calories, 24 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 160 mg cholesterol, 474 mg sodium, 115 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 12 g protein.
Wine: Sparkling Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a sparkling wine.
© Taste of Home 2013