1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup rum or brandy 4 cups day-old bread cubes, each about 1/2 inch square (challah or another egg bread, such as brioche or panettone) 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract