An Appetising Patchwork Pudding for Poorly People

If you or your friends or family aren't feeling very well, see if you can tempt jaded appetites with this lovely, easy savoury bread pudding. Soothing and appetising, it’s just the thing for a light lunch or supper.

Of course, you don't have to be poorly to eat this, it's lovely anyway!

Make a half quantity in a smaller dish if you prefer: use a small egg and make up to 100ml (3½ floz) with milk.

Serves 2-4

• 3-4 spring onions, sliced, and a small knob of butter
• 6 thin-ish slices white bread from a small loaf, buttered
• 75g (3oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• Made English mustard & white pepper to taste
• 1 medium-large egg made up to 200ml (7 fluid oz) with milk

Preheat oven to 160C (fan oven) gas mark 4 or similar

You will need a buttered 20cm (8 inch) rectangular baking dish or similar

Cook the onions in the butter until just tender: either in a covered dish on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a pan on the hob.

Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.

Make sandwiches with the bread and cheese: prepare as you would toasted sandwiches with the butter side out. Spread a little mustard inside each one and save a little cheese for the top.

Whisk the egg and milk well until no streaks are left.

Cut each round of sandwiches into quarters and arrange in the dish, tucking the onions in between and seasoning with pepper. You may need to cut a couple of sandwiches even smaller to fit giving a patchwork effect.

Pour over the egg and milk and leave to soak for 30 minutes or so.

Scatter with the remaining cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Serve warm. Leftovers are irresistibly tasty cold with a dab of mustard.

Variations

Include some thinly cut ham in the sandwiches if you like and arrange 3 or 4 cherry tomatoes, halved around the Equator, cut side up, on top before the final scattering of cheese.