Egg and Cheese Strata
Ingredients:
- whole wheat or multigrain artisan bread - 4 thick slices
- eggs, lightly beaten - 2
- whole milk - 1 cup
- mild provolone, gruyere OR gouda, grated - 8 ounces
- sea salt - to desired taste
- freshlly ground black pepper - to desired taste
- asparagus stalks - 6 - 7
- prosciutto - 4 thin slices
- finely snipped chives - 1 T
Instructions:
Butter a 4 cup ovenproof baking dish; set aside. Remove the bread crusts and cut the bread into slices. Lay the slices across the baking dish, slightly overlapping and allowing some edges to hang over the sides. In a bowl whisk together the eggs and milk. Stir in half of the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour three fourths of the egg mixture over the bread. Peel the bottom half of the asparagus, discard any woody stems. Layer prosciutto over the bread and top with asparagus spears. Pour remaining egg mixture over the asparagus, sprinkle on remaining cheese. Bake immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 - 35 minutes, until just set. Cool slightly, sprinkle top with chopped chives, serve in the baking dish.
