1 loaf (16 oz.) white bread, sliced
1 c. raisins
1 1/2 qts. water, divided
1 lb. Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tbsp. butter

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 of the bread, cheese and raisins are used. Try to end with a cheese layer.

Dissolve brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in remaining 1 quart water in a large saucepan. Add butter. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Pour hot syrup slowly over layers in baking dish until all ingredients are completely soaked. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F. oven 1 hour. Serve hot or chilled.