Mexican Bread Pudding

So I am not really a fan of bread pudding, I am not sure why, I'm just not! Maybe it's the ooey, gooey middle that gets me? Things that are not done, I can't handle, it has to be firm and cooked for me to eat it... Oatmeal, yuck, don't even get me started! ;)

But my hubby and kids like it, so I thought I would try this one. It's different then the others that I've had, MAYBE, just MAYBE I would like this one?

You know what, I actually ate a small bowl and did OK with it! I think it may have helped that the outside was nice and done and I made some super yummy whipping cream to go over the top. No, it didn't call for it, but it sounded good, and it was!



This pic is kinda blurry sorry, I was in a hurry making this and didn't take the time to fully make sure the pics were good! My bad.... The bread all cut up in the greased 9 x 13 pan

Added the cheese and egg mixture, mixed it up with my hands


Right before putting it in the oven, raisins have been added, and sprinkled cinnamon over the top


All done ready to eat!


Pic was kinda bright, flash was to bright, then without the flash, you couldn't see, so I could win a whole lot with pics and this post! OH well..... ;)



Now it's ready to eat, put a dollup of whipping cream on top and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, yummy! :oP


Mexican Bread Pudding

1 large egg beaten
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons melted butter, unsalted
6 cups cubed french bread
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup packed dark brown sugar (I didn't have the dark, but it still turned out with the light... Makes me want to go buy the dark to see if it does taste any different!)
2 1/4 cups water
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. In bowl, beat together the egg, milk and butter. Place the cut up cubed bread in the pan and pour the egg mixture over top the bread and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Mix together with your hands (yes, you are gonna have to get a little dirty!).
In a medium saucepan heat the brown sugar, water and cinnamon. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low and simmer the syrup uncovered for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla.
Sprinkle the raisins over the top of the bread and then pour your brown sugar mixture over the top of the bread. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and place in oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Serve warm!

*You could mix the raisins in with the bread before you pour the brown sugar over the top.
I also served this with some homemade shipping cream I made, or you could serve with a little bit of vanilla ice cream.
You could also add some chopped up walnuts.