1 Cup Blackberry Jam     4 large eggs

2 Cups Half and Half       1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla                        1/2 firm brown sugar

1 8oz cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 12oz loaf French bread, cut into 1.5 inch cubes

Cook jam over medium heat 1-2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring once.  Place half of the bread cubes in bottom of a lightly greased 13×9 baking dish.  Top with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam.  Top with remaining bread cubes.   Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and half-and-half.  Pour over bread mixture.  Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Cover, chilling for 8-24 hours.

Bake in preheated 325° oven, covered, for 30 minutes.  Uncover & bake for 10-15 minutes.  Serve with syrup or whipped cream.  Makes a good dessert too — Southern bread pudding!

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