Sopa (Bread Pudding) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. water
6 Tbsp. margarine or butter
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (16 oz.) loaf white bread, toasted and cut into cubes (about 10 c.)
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 c. raisins
1/2 c. peanuts
whipped cream (optional)
orange slices (optional)

Preparation

Place sugar in 3-quart heavy saucepan; cook over medium-high heat, no stirring, until sugar starts to melt.
Reduce heat to low; cook until sugar is golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Carefully add water (it will splatter). Return to heat; bring to boiling, stirring to melt hardened lumps. Remove from heat. Stir in margarine, cinnamon and vanilla. In a 3-quart rectangular baking dish, layer half the bread cubes. Sprinkle half the cheese and all the raisins over bread cubes. Top with remaining cheese and nuts. Pour caramelized sugar mixture over all. Bake, uncovered, in 350\u00b0 oven for 30 minutes or until top is golden and syrup is absorbed. Serve Sopa with whipped cream and orange slices, if desired. Serves 16.