EASTER STRATA

photo by 30Aeats.com
                              photo by Becky Samford

Our family always celebrates with an Easter Brunch. This impressive, but very easy to prepare dish is one of my favorites to serve because it is prepared the day before! I just pop it into the oven to cook while we finish everything else and set the table. Because it's really a complete meal containing meat, eggs, vegetables and bread, I usually just serve it with some roasted asparagus and a fruit salad topped off with a luscious dessert!

Ingredients:
9 eggs
3 1/2 cups half and half
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
freshly grated nutmeg
8 cups cubed French bread
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 ounces bulk breakfast sausage
1 box or bag organic chopped frozen spinach
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Spray a round spring form pan with release spray, such as Pam. (This could also be made in a
 13' X 9" rectangular pan)
2. Beat eggs, add milk, salt, & pepper
3. Defrost the spinach in the microwave, then wring out excess liquid.
4. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. brown and crumble sausage, then remove to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. 
5. Return skillet to the heat, cook the onion over moderately low heat, until softened, add the bell peppers and salt and pepper to taste, and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, for 10 to 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender. Add spinach and a little nutmeg.
3. Place half of the bread cubes in the pan or dish, layer half of the spinach, onion, pepper mixture, half of the well drained sausage, and half of the mozzarella cheese. 
4. Pour half of the egg mixture over the top, press lightly with a spoon to moisten bread.
5. Repeat layers, then top with remaining half of bread cubes, pour last half of the egg mixture over the top, press with a spoon again to moisten bread.
6. Sprinkle with parmesan, cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
7. The next morning, let Strata stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350F and bake uncovered in the middle of the oven 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed, golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.