Strawberries and Cream Bread Pudding

Created this recipe so hubby could eat fresh strawberries in bread pudding which cuts the acidity down. Serve hot or cold with whipped topping or ice cream. This recipe can be cut in half if desired

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 10  slices  dry hard  honey-wheat bread or 10  slices  of dry hard  whole grain bread
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 4  eggs
• 1  cup milk
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4-1  cup white sugar
• 2 1⁄2 cups  sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 1⁄2 cups  sliced frozen strawberries, drained (optional)
•  Pam cooking spray

Directions

1. Lay out 10 slices of bread on board. Usually overnight until it is dry and hard.
2. Break into two or three inch pieces. Set aside.
3. In medium mixing bowl add eggs, milk, vanilla and salt. Wisk to whip and mix.
4. In large mixing bowl add cream cheese and sugar. Mix well.
5. Add egg milk mixture a little at a time until cream cheese and egg milk mixture is totally mixed.
6. Fold in 2 cups sliced strawberries, reserving 1/2 cup for the top.
7. Add the hard bread pieces and mix.
8. Preheat oven 350*.
9. Spray Pam into two quart casserole.
10. Put mixed bread mixture in casserole.
11. Sprinkle 1/2 cup reserved strawberries on top.
12. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, covered.