Recipe: Rumanian Pork and Potato Pudding

Romanian Pork and Potato Pudding "Musaca cu Tatei"

1 slice white bread, trimmed
1/4 cup milk
1 pound boneless lean pork, ground twice
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 cup grated onion
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1 pound potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes; mash smooth. Mix together the bread, pork, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, 2 tablespoons of the onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.

In a buttered casserole, arrange successive layers of the potatoes and pork mixture; sprinkle the potato layer with some of the remaining pasley and onions and dot with butter. Make as many layers as possible, starting and ending with the potatoes. Cover and bake in a 350 degrees F. oven for 35 minutes.

Beat the eggs with the cream, cheese, and remaining salt and pepper. Pour over the potatoes and bake uncovered 20 minutes longer, or until the egg mixture is set and lightly browned on top. Servers 4-6.