Breakfast Strata

This is the recipe my friend Dwayne Heisler makes every year for the Bloomsburg Early Music Workshop, a cool 3-day event he hosts at his house.  Dwayne ships in three top-notch early music instructors and invites about 30 singers and instrumentalists, many of whom stay at his house or with other members of the Bloomsburg Early Music Ensemble. And then we practice and play in his garage!  It's the weirdest garage band you'll ever see.




Sliced White Bread (or any kind you wish that you can cut into a circle)
Cooper Sharp Cheese Shredded (enough to generously layer the pan)


Chopped Green Onion
Cooked Ham in small cubes (optional)
Broccoli or Asparagus


One egg for each “circle” of bread (you can have more but no less)
Milk


Salt, Pepper and other seasonings like Crushed Rosemary, Fresh Cilantro or Dill

Directions

Cut the circles out of the bread (or any shape using cookie cutter or glass) and line them in the pan to make sure you have enough. They should be close to or just touching. Remove the circles from the pan and spray the bottom and sides well. Take scraps of bread and the ends if needed for the crust. Break these into small pieces and create your first layer.


Spread your shredded Cooper Sharp Cheese layer over the bread


Slightly steam your broccoli OR asparagus and cool in an ice bath for color. Chop and mix together your green onion, broccoli OR asparagus, cooked ham cubes. Spread this mixture over the cheese.


Place your cut out bread circles on top.


Using one egg per circle – beat with milk – like making scrambled eggs with a little more milk. Add salt, pepper and other seasonings to the egg mixture. Spoon this mixture over the bread circles to wet them then pour in the rest of the mixture evenly. Grind some fresh pepper over each of the circles.


Cover with plastic wrap and allow to set in the refrigerator over night or at least 4 hours.


Remove plastic wrap and bake at 350 for between 1 to 1 ½ hours until brown on top and eggs are set (test with a knife in the center to come out clean).