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.