Capirotada De Norteno

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 10 -12 slices bread
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 cup grated asadero cheese or 1 cup cheddar cheese or 1 cup monterey jack cheese
• 2 1/2 cups hot water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch clove
• whipped cream, for garnish

Recipe

• 1 place the raisins in a small bowl and pour the brandy over them. set aside.
• 2 preheat oven to 350. butter a baking dish.
• 3 tear the bread into bite size pieces. transfer the bread to the baking dish.
• 4 add the pecans and the cheese to the bread, mixing both in lightly.
• 5 scatter the raisins over the top, including any brandy not absorbed by the fruit.
• 6 pour the sugar into a large, heavy saucepan. warm over medium high heat till the sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown, about 8 - 10 minutes.
• 7 stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
• 8 pour the water into the molten sugar, standing back from the pan to avoid the steam that will rise as the water hits the sugar.
• 9 the mixture will partially solidify.
• 10 continue cooking till liquid again, stirring occasionally. add the orange juice, butter, vanilla and spices to the syrup.
• 11 ladle the syrup carefully over the bread.
• 12 when the preparation is complete, the syrup should be about level with the top of the bread.
• 13 if any bread pieces aren't coated, push them into the syrup.
• 14 bake for 20-25 minutes, till the syrup has absorbed and the cheese has melted into the pudding.
• 15 serve the pudding hot, topped with whipped cream if you like.