Corn Pudding Stuffed with Greens

Preparation

1. Make the Greens

   1. Step 1

      In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the bacon and cook for 3 minutes before adding onions. Cook for 12 minutes until bacon and onions are browned. Add the greens and stir well. Then add the water and the stock and crushed red pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring on occasionally, until water is down to about a cup and stems are tender, about 45 minutes. Adjust salt. Drain well, then finely chop greens and bacon.

2. Make the Pudding

   1. Step 2

      Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and diced red pepper, and cook until soft. Add the garlic, sage, basil, black pepper and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Add crumbled cornbread and stir. Stir in cream. In a small bowl, beat the eggs well, then add to cornbread mixture and mix well.

   2. Step 3

      Fill 8 buttered 6-ounce glass custard cups halfway with the cornbread mixture. Spoon in 2 tablespoons of the chopped mustard greens. Add more cornbread mixture, but do not fill to the top. Place the cups in a 9-by 12-inch baking dish, and carefully add water to about a half-inch. Cover with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pudding should be firm to the touch in the middle of each dish. While it is still hot, turn out each pudding and serve. Or wrap well in plastic wrap and freeze. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.