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### **Ingredients for Grandma’s Capirotada**
To recreate Grandma’s classic capirotada recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– **4-5 bolillo rolls** (Mexican bread rolls) or French bread (cut into slices)
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**
– **1 cup brown sugar** (or piloncillo if you want to keep it traditional)
– **2 cups water**
– **2 cinnamon sticks**
– **2-3 cloves** (optional)
– **1/2 cup raisins**
– **1/2 cup chopped pecans** (or walnuts, optional)
– **1/2 cup shredded **Mexican cheese** (like queso fresco or cotija, or a mild cheddar if preferred)
– **1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk** (optional, for extra creaminess)
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **Pinch of salt**
### **How to Make Grandma’s Capirotada**
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these easy steps to make Grandma’s traditional capirotada. The recipe comes together with minimal effort but yields a delightful and comforting treat.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Bread**
1. **Preheat the oven** to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Slice your bolillo rolls or French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Lay them out on a baking sheet and **toast** them in the oven for about **10 minutes** or until the slices are slightly golden and crispy. This will help the bread soak up the syrup without falling apart.
#### **Step 2: Make the Syrup**
1. While the bread is toasting, combine the **brown sugar**, **water**, **cinnamon sticks**, and **cloves** (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Allow the syrup to simmer for about **5-7 minutes**, letting the flavors meld together. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the **vanilla extract** and a **pinch of salt**. If you’re using sweetened condensed milk for added richness, add it now and stir until well combined. Set the syrup aside to cool slightly.
#### **Step 3: Layer the Capirotada**
1. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), begin layering the toasted bread slices. You can overlap the slices slightly to make sure the dish is filled.
2. Sprinkle some **raisins**, **chopped nuts**, and a bit of **shredded cheese** over each layer of bread. You want to distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the layers to ensure each bite is flavorful.
#### **Step 4: Pour the Syrup**
1. Once the bread layers are assembled, carefully pour the prepared syrup over the entire dish, making sure all of the bread is soaked. Gently press the bread with a spoon to ensure the syrup absorbs evenly into the bread.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Capirotada**
1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes**.
2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10 minutes** to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your capirotada is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The dessert will have absorbed the syrup and become a rich, slightly caramelized, and gooey treat, with sweet pockets of raisins, crunchy nuts, and gooey melted cheese.
Serve it warm as a comforting dessert, and enjoy the rich layers of flavor with your loved ones. You can also serve it with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** if you want to make it even more indulgent.
### **Tips for the Best Capirotada**
– **Use day-old bread**: Capirotada works best with slightly stale bread, as it soaks up the syrup better. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly to give it some structure.
– **Cheese matters**: The choice of cheese is crucial in this recipe. Traditional recipes call for **queso fresco** or **cotija**, but you can also use a mild cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer. The cheese adds a savory flavor that balances out the sweetness.
– **Customize your filling**: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preference. Some families like to add **sliced bananas**, **apples**, or even **chocolate chips** to the layers for extra flavor. Customize it to suit your tastes!
– **Make it ahead**: Capirotada can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it on the day you plan to serve it. The flavors will meld and develop even more overnight.
### **The Tradition Behind Capirotada**
Capirotada is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of family and tradition. Its origins are deeply rooted in **Mexican culture**, and it is traditionally made during **Lent** to represent the **passion of Christ**. The bread is said to symbolize the body of Christ, the cinnamon sticks represent the cross, and the syrup symbolizes the sweetness of faith.
Making Grandma’s Capirotada is an opportunity to connect with your roots and continue a family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Each bite of this dessert is filled with not only delicious flavors but also the love and warmth of home.
### **Conclusion**
Grandma’s **Capirotada** recipe is a beautiful, nostalgic dish that brings the best of both sweet and savory flavors into one delightful dessert. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or trying this Mexican delicacy for the first time, this bread pudding will undoubtedly become a favorite for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat your family to this heartwarming, flavorful dessert. **Capirotada** is more than just a dish – it’s a way to celebrate love, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones you hold dear. Enjoy!
