Title: Cherry strata
 Categories: None
      Yield: 1 Servings
 
     12 c  Day-old Italian bread cubes;
           -(appx 1/2 inch cubes)
      1 pk (8 oz.) cream cheese;
           -softened
    1/2 c  Sugar; divided
    1/2 ts Almond extract
    1/2 c  Dried cherries or
           -cranberries
    1/2 c  Chopped pecans
      4    Eggs
  1 1/2 c  Half-and-half cream
      1 ts Cinnamon

MMMMM------------------------CHERRY SYRUP-----------------------------
      1 cn (appx 14 0z.) sour or tart
           -cherries; chopped
      1 c  Sugar
      1 c  Corn syrup
    1/2 ts Almond extract
 

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  
  Grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
  
  Place 8 cups of the bread cubes in prepared pan.
  
  In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and extract until
  smooth. Stir in pecans and cherries (or cranberries). Spoon over
  bread and top with remaining bread cubes.
  
  In mixing bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cinnamon and remaining sugar. Pour
  over bread.
  
  Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until browned. Let stand 5
  minutes before serving. Top individual servings with Cherry Syrup.
  
  Makes 6 - 8 servings.
  
  Cherry Syrup: Combine cherries, sugar and corn syrup in small
  saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  Remove from heat and stir in extract. Serve warm over strata.