Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Spread the bread cubes in a shallow baking pan. Bake in 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until dry, stirring twice; cool.

In a small heavy saucepan, stir together 1 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Add 2/3 cup half-and-half or light cream, 1/4 cup light-color corn syrup and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly (mixture may look curdled). Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Serve warm over bread pudding. (Cover and chill any leftover sauce for up to 3 days.) Makes 1 1/2 cups sauce (twelve 2-tablespoon servings).