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 ==
# 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. 
# Combine rice, apples, raisins and almonds in large bowl. 
# Spoon half of rice mixture in bottom of 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over rice mixture. 
# Spoon remaining rice mixture over cheese. 
# Pour sugar mixture over rice. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. 
# Cover and bake at 350 °F for 45 to 50 minutes. 
# Serve hot.
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Apple Recipes
Category:Brown sugar Recipes
Category:Cheddar Recipes
Category:Piloncillo Recipes
Category:Raisin Recipes
Category:Side Dish Rice Recipes