Make-Ahead One-Dish Blackberry French Toast

A friend gave me this recipe for a meeting we're planning. She says it is wonderful. It is originally from the November 2009 issue of Southern Living in an article by Marion McGahey about dishes you "mix up...in 30 minutes the night before for a stress-free meal the next day." I look forward to trying it!

• Ready In: 25 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  cup  blackberry jam
• 1 (12 ounce)  French bread, loaf cut into 1-1/2 in cubes
• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese (I like 1/3-less fat)
• 4  large eggs
• 2  cups half-and-half
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup  firmly packed brown sugar

• Toppings

•  maple syrup
•  whipped cream

Directions

1. Cook jam in a small saucepan over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until it is melted and smooth, stirring once.
2. Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
3. Top with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam.
4. Top with remaining bread cubes.
5. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over bread in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the casserole with brown sugar.
7. Chill for 8 to 24 hours.
8. The next morning, preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
9. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until bread is golden brown and mixture is set. Serve with desired toppings.