Savory Ham And Swiss Bread Pudding Food

SAVORY BREAD PUDDING WITH SWISS CHARD AND RED PEPPER

Steps:

• Slice the bread about 3/4 inch thick. Cut 1 of the garlic cloves in half and rub each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic. Mince all of the remaining garlic and set aside. Place the bread in a bowl and toss with 1 cup of the milk. Refrigerate for 1 hour, tossing every once in a while.
• Meanwhile, stem and wash the chard. Steam over 1 inch of boiling water until tender, about 2 minutes, or blanch in salted boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl of cold water, drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop medium-fine.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or a 10-inch ceramic tart pan. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes, and add the red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, rosemary and chopped chard and stir together until the garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Remove from the heat.
• Remove the bowl with the soaked bread from the refrigerator. Using a wooden spoon, a whisk or an immersion blender, mash or beat the soaked bread so that the mixture turns to mush. Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl and mix together. Scrape into the oiled baking dish. Top with the grated cheese. Break the eggs into the bowl and beat with the remaining milk, salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon), and freshly ground pepper. Pour over the bread mixture and place in the oven.
• Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until the mixture is puffed, golden brown on the top and set. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes or longer before serving.

HAM & SWISS BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Pour 1/4 cup butter into a 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside. Spread both sides of bread with mustard. Arrange 9 slices in baking dish. , In a large skillet, saute the ham, mushrooms and garlic in remaining butter until mushrooms are tender. Add the onions; cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute longer. Spoon over bread; sprinkle with cheese. Arrange remaining bread on top. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Stir in parsley; pour over bread., Place dish in a larger roasting pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake at 325° until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.