Savoury Fish Bread and Butter Pudding

This recipe was given to me by a neighbour, Valerie, who called to see us over Christmas for a cuppa. After admiring our Christmas tree, she had to go as she had a ‘fish bread and butter pudding’ in the oven.   My ears picked up at that and I could not resist asking if she would share the recipe, which she has kindly done.  As I have only ever made sweet bread and butter pudding it was an interesting change which I hope you will enjoy!

Ingredients
3-4 slices of bread
2 large/3 medium free-range medium eggs
3/4 pint milk
One large onion
2 pieces smoked haddock or cod
2 oz cheddar cheese
A good sprinkling of parmesan cheese
2oz butter
Black pepper and salt
Parsley to garnish

Method
Grease an ovenproof pie dish. Cut the crusts off the bread, butter them and cut into squares. Finely chop the onion and grate the cheddar cheese. Beat the eggs with the milk and season with salt and pepper.  Line the pie dish with the bread, reserving some for the middle and top.  Shred the fish and mix with the cheese and chopped onion.  Place some of the mixture on the bottom of the dish covering with a layer of bread.  Pour over some of the milk and egg.  Then repeat with another layer of fish and onion and top with the rest of the bread. Pour the last of the milk mixture over and sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.  

Place in a moderate oven (325F/150C/Gas Mark 3) and cook for about 1 hour until golden brown. Decorate with chopped parsley.