South of the Border Bread Pudding
French Bread Pudding Recipe with Orange Juice and Jack Cheese
Introduction
South of the Border Bread Pudding is a delicious and unique twist on the classic bread pudding recipe. This dish combines the flavors of orange juice, cinnamon, raisins, cheese, and almonds to create a sweet and savory dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
History
The exact origins of South of the Border Bread Pudding are unknown, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican and Southwestern flavors. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating ingredients like orange juice and cheese to create a truly unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- 0.75 cup raisins
- 5 cups lightly packed 1 inch cubes french bread (about 6 oz or 170 g)
- 6 oz or 170 g monterey jack cheese, shredded (about 2.5 cups)
- 0.5 cup toasted almonds
- lightly sweetened whipped cream, light cream, or ice cream
How to prepare
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and toss to combine.
- Add 2 cups of cheese and the almonds, and toss again.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pudding is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, and if desired, top with cream or ice cream.
Variations
- Add a splash of tequila to the orange juice mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use stale bread for this recipe, as it will absorb the flavors of the orange juice and cinnamon better.
- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the pudding will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve South of the Border Bread Pudding warm with a scoop of lightly sweetened ice cream on top for a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of bread for this recipe, such as brioche or challah.
- If you don't have orange juice, you can use apple juice or pineapple juice as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the bread pudding mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve South of the Border Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or top each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this rich and flavorful dessert with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a Moscato d'Asti.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
350
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
Fats
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 10g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 8%
Alergens
Contains dairy (cheese)
- Contains nuts (almonds)
Summary
South of the Border Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
South of the Border Bread Pudding is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of orange juice, cinnamon, raisins, cheese, and almonds to create a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a truly decadent treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box, searching for something new to try. As I shuffled through the yellowed index cards and tattered paper scraps, my eyes landed on a faded piece of parchment with the words "South of the Border Bread Pudding" scrawled across the top in elegant script.
I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from - it must have been passed down to me from a friend or neighbor many years ago. But the name intrigued me, conjuring up images of vibrant spices, zesty flavors, and warm, comforting bread pudding. I knew I had to give it a try.
As I read through the ingredients list and instructions, I could practically taste the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla swirling together in a tantalizing dance of flavors. The recipe called for a mix of cubed French bread, raisins, and chopped pecans, soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and sugar. But the real twist was the addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper, giving the dish a subtle kick that was sure to set it apart from any bread pudding I had ever tasted.
Excited to put my own spin on this exotic recipe, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. I carefully measured out each spice, each scoop of sugar, each splash of milk, savoring the aromas that filled the kitchen as I worked. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla mingled with the earthy warmth of chili powder and the fiery bite of cayenne, creating a heady mix that made my mouth water in anticipation.
As I mixed the custard and soaked the bread, the memories flooded back to me - of all the recipes I had collected and perfected over the years, of the friends and family who had shared their own culinary secrets with me, of the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something delicious from scratch. Cooking had always been my passion, my creative outlet, my way of expressing love and care for those around me.
When the bread pudding emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had struck gold with this recipe. The aroma that wafted through the house was intoxicating, drawing my husband and children into the kitchen with eager anticipation. As we sat down to eat, the first spoonfuls of South of the Border Bread Pudding melted on our tongues, the flavors exploding in a symphony of sweet and spicy, rich and creamy.
My family's eyes widened in delight as they tasted the unexpected heat of the chili powder and cayenne, the subtle crunch of the pecans, the plump sweetness of the raisins. They savored each bite, savoring the complex flavors and textures that made this bread pudding a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
As we finished our meal, my husband leaned back in his chair with a contented sigh. "This is incredible, honey," he said, reaching for seconds. "Where did you find this recipe?"
I smiled, basking in the glow of his praise. "Oh, just an old recipe I stumbled upon," I replied modestly. "But I think it's a keeper."
And indeed, South of the Border Bread Pudding became a staple in our household, a dish that we would request for special occasions and lazy Sunday mornings alike. It became a symbol of creativity, of adventure, of the magic that can happen when you take a familiar recipe and give it a new twist.
Years passed, and I continued to hone my craft, trying new recipes, experimenting with flavors and techniques, always seeking to push the boundaries of my culinary skills. But South of the Border Bread Pudding remained a favorite, a beloved tradition that I would pass down to my children and grandchildren, just as it had been passed down to me.
And as I stood at the stove, stirring a pot of simmering soup or flipping a batch of golden pancakes, I would think back to that warm summer day when I had discovered this recipe, the moment that had sparked a lifelong love affair with cooking and inspired me to create dishes that would bring joy and comfort to my family for generations to come.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Bread Pudding Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | French Bread Recipes | French Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Ice Cream Recipes | Jack Cheese Recipes | Light Cream Recipes | Orange Juice Recipes | Raisin Recipes | World Recipes |