Morsels of French bread are layered with raisins, chopped nuts and cheese, then baked with a brown sugar and cinnamon syrup to make a traditional Mexican bread pudding. For extra flavor, sprinkle Mexican anise candies over the top before baking.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 8 slices French bread
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces colaciones candies (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 1/2 cups water
PREPARATION:
Toast the French bread and break it into 2 inch pieces.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking dish, spread about half of bread pieces on the bottom of the dish; sprinkle with half of the raisins, nuts and cheese.
Repeat with a second and final layer of bread, raisins, nuts and cheese. Put anise candies on top of mixture, if desired.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir brown sugar, cinnamon and water until it forms a syrup; pour half of the syrup over bread.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes and remove from oven; pour remaining syrup over bread and bake for another 15 minutes. Serve warm or cold.