Rice Capirotada

Description
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups water
 * 1 cup piloncillo brown sugar or firmly packed brown sugar
 * 2 four-inch Mexican cinnamon sticks
 * rind of 1 orange, grated
 * 3 cups cooked rice
 * 2 tart red apples, chopped
 * ¾ cup raisins
 * ½ cup sliced almonds
 * vegetable cooking spray
 * 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

 * 1) Combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks and orange rind in small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks from mixture; set aside.
 * 2) Combine rice, apples, raisins and almonds in large bowl.
 * 3) Spoon half of rice mixture in bottom of 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over rice mixture.
 * 4) Spoon remaining rice mixture over cheese.
 * 5) Pour sugar mixture over rice. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
 * 6) Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
 * 7) Serve hot.