Terrytx posted 04-21-98
* Exported from MasterCook *
Cherry Strata
Recipe By : Taste of Home, Feb/Mar, 1998
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads Breakfast
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 cups day-old Italian bread cubes -- 1/2" cubes
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese -- softened
1/2 cup sugar -- divided
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup dried cheeries or cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 tsp cinnamon
CHERRY SYRUP
1 (14-1/2) can sour cherries -- chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp almond extract
Preheat oven to 350.
Place 8 cups of the bread cubes in a greased 13x9x2" baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and extract until
smooth.
Stir in cherries and pecans; spoon over bread. Top with remaining bread
cubes.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cinnamon and remaining sugar; pour over
bread.
Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 min. or till browned.
Let stand 5 min. before serving.
SYRUP:
Combine cherries, sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer 15 min.; remove from heat and stir in extract.
Serve warm over strata.