Toast bread slices lightly. Remove some of the crusts, if desired. Soak raisins in 2 cups warm water until puffy. Layer bread, cheese and raisins with soaking water in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish.

Start with a layer of bread and continue alternating layers until all the bread, cheese, and raisins are used. (Try to end with a cheese layer.)

Dissolve brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in remaining one quart water in a large saucepan. Add butter. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

Pour hot syrup slowly over layers in baking dish until all ingredients are completely soaked. Bake, covered, in a 350 oven one hour. Serve hot or chilled.

formatted by JoAnn Pellegrino