Blackberry French Toast

I made this last week for my MOPS group. It turned out so good, and I wanted to share it with you. I just don't have a picture to show you how wonderful it looks, but believe me and a few other ladies it was GREAT!!

1 cup blackberry jam
1 loaf of french bread loaf, cut into 1 inch cubes
6 ounces of fresh blackberries
1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 medium eggs
2 cups of half and half
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Take small saucepan and pour blackberry jam and fresh blackberries in pot. Cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until jam is melted and fresh berries start to separate.

Place half of the bread cubes in bottom of 9X9 square baker pan that is lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Top with cream cheese cubes just spread them all over the top of the bread. Drizzle jam sauce over top of the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover tightly, and chill for about 8 to 10 hours.

Next morning, preheat oven to 350. Bake covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until bread is golden brown and mixture is set. Take out of oven drizzle with maple syrup. Serve with whipped cream if desired.