Mexican Bread Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 c. soft bread crumbs (about 4 slices bread)
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. water
2 tsp. brandy
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
1 c. chopped dried apples
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Preparation

Heat oven to 300\u00b0.
Place bread crumbs in pan.
Dot with 1/4 cup of the butter.
Bake, uncovered, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Cool crumbs.
Heat brown sugar, water, brandy, cinnamon and cloves over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
Place 1 cup of the bread crumbs in ungreased round pan (9 x 1 1/2-inch).
Pour 1/3 cup of the syrup over crumbs; sprinkle with cheese.
Top with 1 cup crumbs; sprinkle with apples, raisins and walnuts.
Top with 1/3 cup syrup and remaining crumbs.
Pour remaining syrup over crumbs; dot with remaining butter.
Bake, uncovered, in a 300\u00b0 oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sweetened whipped cream, if desired.
Makes 8 servings.