Mexican Bread pudding ~ Capirotada

Recipe Categories : | Mexican | Desserts | Pecans | Bread | MAIN INDEX |

Serves : 6

Ingredients :

• ½ lb day old bread, cut into ¾" cubes
• 1 cup pecans ( or walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pine nuts), coarsely chopped
• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 2" piece cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 baking apples, peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced ¼" thick (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread the bread cubes and nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, butter, and water in a medium pot. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the mixture is syrupy, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. Place the bread, nuts, raisins, cheese and apples, if using, in a large baking pan and toss to mix. Pour the syrup through a strainer into the dish and stir to mix. Bake until golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve hot or cold.