Bread Pudding with brown sugar

1 - 8 oz. loaf white bread
( cubed into 1/2" pieces )
3 pears ( cored pelled and sliced )
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. cornstarch
4 cups half and half
1/4 cup chopped cranberries
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Prepare
Preheat oven to 350° F. On flat baking pan bake bread cubes 15 minutes.In skillet over medium heat cook pears in butter for 5 minutes.Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and cinnamon , cook another 4 minutes or until caramelized ,stirring often.In small bowl mix 1/2 cup half and half with cornstarch.Stir into pears and bring to a boil , cook 1 minute stirring constantly.remove from heat and add cranberries.Spoon 1/2 cup bread cubes into 6 - 8 oz. baking bowls.Top each with pears and remaining bread.Whisk together all remaining ingredients and pour over bowls.Let stand 10 minutes.Place bowls in deep baking pan,fill pan with water half way up bowls and bake 1 hour or until fork comes out clean.Cool and serve.