Formigos (Mexidos) de Natal

1. In a large pan add all the ingredients except the bread and dried raisins and nuts and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for about 15 minutes, then stir in the nuts and dried raisins and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the bread by breaking it up into small pieces (either by hand or using a knife). Soak the pieces in a bowl of hot water (enough to cover the bread) and allow to soak for a couple of minutes. Then, drain the bowl and squeeze out any excess water.
4. Add the moist bread to the boiling pot and turn the heat down to low. Simmer the mixture for another 20 minutes, or until most of the water evaporates. (Be careful to stir often to avoid burning.)
5. The bread will thicken the consistency of the mixture and give it a lovely texture.
6. Taste and add more sugar if necessary.
7. Cool the formigos de natal down and allow to cool before dividing it into several bowls.

Enjoy!