South of the Border Bread Pudding

Description
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * 1 cup orange juice
 * ¾ cup packed brown sugar
 * ½ tsp cinnamon
 * ¾ cup raisins
 * 5 cups lightly packed 1-inch cubes French bread (about 6 oz)
 * 6 oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded (about 2½ cups)
 * ½ cup toasted almonds
 * lightly sweetened whipped cream, light cream, or ice cream

Directions

 * 1) In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.
 * 2) Bring to a boil, stirring.
 * 3) Pour over the bread and toss to mix.
 * 4) Add 2 cups of the cheese and the almonds, and toss.
 * 5) Turn into a buttered 1½ quart baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
 * 6) Bake in a preheated 375°F oven 15-20 minutes, until the pudding is heated through and the cheese is melted.
 * 7) Serve warm, topped with cream or ice cream, if desired.