To dry bread cubes, place them in a large, shallow baking pan and bake at 350F oven about 10 minutes, stirring twice.

In a large bowl beat together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. In a ungreased 2-quart square baking dish toss together bread cubes and dried fruit; pour egg mixture evenly over bread mixture. Press mixture lightly with back of a large spoon.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350? oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm with Caramel Sauce.

Caramel Sauce

In a small heavy saucepan combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in 1/4 cup wter. Stir in half-and-half, corn syrup, and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly (mixture may appear curdled). Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm or cool over ice cream, baked fruits or cake. (Cover and chill any leftovers for up to 3 days.)