Smokin’ Strata

Name: Smokin’ Strata
Yield: makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 medium red bell peppers, finely chopped; 2 leeks, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only; 1 (10-ounce) loaf focaccia bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 4 ounces mild smoked Gouda cheese, grated (1 cup); 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 9 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

December 9, 2011

In the words of Crystal’s dad, Jody, “Some times you just want breakfast for dinner.” We couldn’t agree more. This egg masterpiece is not only great for breakfast but also ideal for a savory dinner any night of the week. Aside from the taste, the beautiful thing about stratas is how filling they are. At the heart of any great strata you will find a dense, rustic bread (we use focaccia) layered with an egg mixture and cheese. In this particular recipe we add leeks and red bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color, but the real standout is the smoky flavor provided by the Gouda cheese. Hence, the strata’s name. Enjoy!

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