Back to Square One | Savory Bread Pudding

You're doing OK?  Wow, I'm surprised.

This was the statement of my daughter on the phone.  I am just calling to find out how you are doing after Joey left.  She said further.

Around this time last year, I took my son to Cornell and there were tissues everywhere used to wipe away my tears. Adjusting to our new life as empty-nesters has been a roller coaster of emotions. And now, again, the riveting silence at home is deafening. I am too young to have empty-nester syndrome.

But I do feel better.  I've seen up close how my kids have matured and grown.  And this comforts me.  The truth is that no matter where we are, as parents, our kids always come home... no matter how much they have grown and matured, or how independent they are (or at least feel).  And watching how my son has matured in just one year, I know he is growing up to be a fine young man.  It gives ripples of joy in my heart.

So I'm back to square one, re-learning to live my life with my kids away in college.  I was inspired with a dish I've never done before.  A contestant in Masterchef, Josh made a savory pudding it made me realize I could make something new and be excited about the process.

So here I share with you, my version of Savory Bread Pudding.

Ingredients:
1/2 lb.ground  pork and beef (1/4 pork, 1/4 beef)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 stalk celery chopped
1 egg
3 pcs bread buns
1/2 c bread crumbs (garlic and herb flavor)
1 c milk
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
raisins (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

Pre-heat oven at 375 degrees.

Break the egg in a bowl.  Pour milk and gently beat the egg and milk mixture using a whisk.  Toss the bread into the bowl.  Allow the bread to soak into the egg/milk mixture. Set aside.

In another bowl, mix the ground meat.  Add the minced garlic, chopped celery and onions.  Now add the soy sauce and oyster sauce.  Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the egg/milk mixture into the ground meat mixture.  Mix well.  Pour the mixture over a baking pan. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is puffed and golden brown.

The result is incredibly delicious: moist and filling.  I served it together with Chicken Noodle Soup and you bet hubby said, "this hits the spot!"