Capirotada… Extra Pecans And Raisins

Capirotada, a traditional Mexican bread pudding, gets a delightful twist with extra pecans and raisins in this recipe. Sweetened with piloncillo and infused with cinnamon and vanilla, this dish layers toasted French bread with a rich combination of mozzarella and mild cheddar cheeses, along with coconut flakes, raisins, walnuts, and pecans.

Baked to golden perfection and allowed to cool, this comforting dessert captures the essence of Mexican cuisine with its sweet, nutty flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for sharing and enjoying after a meal, Capirotada with Extra Pecans and Raisins is a delicious treat that blends tradition with a touch of indulgence.

Capirotada… Extra Pecans And Raisins

Ingredients:

Wet ingredients:

1 Piloncillo

1 cinnamon stick

1 table spoon of vanilla extract

4 tablespoons of brown sugar… Bring to a boil so the Piloncillo melts.. put aside and start layering..

Dry ingredients:

1 french bread cut and toasted

Mozzarella cheese

Cheddar (mild) cheese

Coconut flakes

Raisins

Walnuts

Pecans

Instructions:

And you just layer the bread with all the ingredients, and pour the wet ingredients, and bake for about 20 minutes

Then let it cool… it’s delicious

Notes:

Piloncillo Preparation: Piloncillo is traditionally used in Mexican cuisine and needs to be melted to incorporate smoothly into the recipe. Bringing it to a boil with water, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and brown sugar helps dissolve it completely. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly before using.

Layering Process: Begin by layering the toasted French bread in a baking dish. Ensure the bread is toasted sufficiently to hold up to the moisture from the wet ingredients without becoming soggy.

Cheese and Nut Layers: Sprinkle layers of mozzarella and mild cheddar cheeses over the bread. This adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness from the piloncillo mixture.

Adding Texture and Flavor: Scatter coconut flakes, raisins, walnuts, and pecans evenly over the cheese and bread layers. This combination of ingredients provides a variety of textures and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Pouring the Wet Ingredients: Evenly pour the melted piloncillo mixture over the layered ingredients. This step ensures that every part of the Capirotada absorbs the sweet, cinnamon-infused syrup.

Baking Instructions: Bake the assembled dish in the oven at the specified temperature (not provided in the original recipe; typically around 350°F) for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the top to become golden brown.

Cooling Process: After baking, allow the Capirotada to cool for a bit before serving. This helps to set the dish and allows the flavors to further develop.

Storage and Serving: Capirotada is often served warm or at room temperature. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated gently before serving, although it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as dried fruit like apricots or figs, or different types of nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

Traditional Context: Capirotada is a dish often enjoyed during Lent in Mexican cuisine, symbolizing aspects of the Passion of Christ. Its layers and ingredients carry cultural significance, making it a meaningful dessert in addition to being delicious.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute Piloncillo with another sweetener?

Yes, if Piloncillo is not available, you can use brown sugar or other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use different types of bread for Capirotada?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even stale bread.

The choice of bread will affect the texture and taste of the final dish.

Can I adjust the amount of cheese and nuts in the recipe?

Absolutely! The amount of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, walnuts, and pecans can be adjusted according to your personal preference.

Feel free to add more or less based on your taste.

Can I add other ingredients to the layering?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like dried fruits (such as cranberries or apricots), sliced almonds, or spices (such as nutmeg or allspice).

Experiment with flavors to make it your own.

Can I prepare Capirotada in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Capirotada ahead of time.

After baking, you can let it cool and store it in the refrigerator.

Warm it up before serving or enjoy it cold, according to your preference.

What is Piloncillo, and where can I find it?

Piloncillo is a type of unrefined cane sugar commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

It has a rich and complex flavor.

You can find Piloncillo in Latin American grocery stores or online.

If unavailable, you can substitute it with brown sugar.

Can I modify the types of cheese in the recipe?

Absolutely! While Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese are commonly used, you can substitute or combine them with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss, based on your preference.

Can I make Capirotada without nuts or coconut flakes?

Yes, you can omit the nuts and coconut flakes if you have dietary restrictions or personal preference.

The recipe will still be delicious with the other ingredients.

Can I prepare Capirotada in advance and reheat it?

Yes, Capirotada can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

It can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.

The flavors may meld together even more after reheating.