Spotted Dog Bread Pudding

Name: Spotted Dog Bread Pudding
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup crushed piloncillo or brown sugar; 1 cup water; 1 1/2 medium sweet yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk; 4 cup toasted bread, cut or torn into approximately 1 ½ -inch pieces; 3/4 cup raisins (plumped in hot water); 1 gala or granny smith apple, peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced; 4 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine; 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 4 ounce yellow cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup); heavy cream, for pouring on top