Capirotada(Mexican Easter Bread Pudding)

Directions

1. 1
   Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
2. 2
   In saucepan, combine brown sugar and water.
3. 3
   Heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
4. 4
   Add cinnamon sticks.
5. 5
   Boil until syrup is thickened and syrupy to about 220° on candy thermometer.
6. 6
   Remove cinnamon sticks; keep syrup hot.
7. 7
   Line bottom of baking dish with half of bread.
8. 8
   Add half of apple, then half of cheese.
9. 9
   Sprinkle with all of the raisins and half of pecans.
10. 10
    Pour half of syrup over top.
11. 11
    Repeat bread, apple and cheese layers; sprinkle with remaining pecans and pour remaining syrup over.
12. 12
    Bake in 325° oven until all liquid is absorbed and cheese is melted (about 40 to 45 minutes).
13. 13
    Serve warm or cold, preferably with cream.
14. 14
    Serves 9 to 12.