Cranberry Strata for Brunch

In greased, 2-quart, rectangular baking dish, arrange about 4 cups bread pieces.

Cut cream cheese into 8-10 slices and arrange over bread chunks. 

Sprinkle cranberries over bread chunks. Top with remaining bread pieces.

In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk and 1/3 cup maple syrup. Pour over bread. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

With back of spoon or spatula, lightly press down to saturate bread with egg mixture. Cover and chill up to 24 hours in refrigerator.

Heat oven to 350 F.

Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes.

Let stand 10 minutes. Serve warm and topped with maple syrup, if desired.