Shelly's Recipe

HAM, ASPARAGUS AND CHEESE STRATA

Category: Breakfast and Brunch

1 cup (4 oz) cooked lean ham, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 red bell pepper, chopped
8 oz asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 tsp Dijon-style mustard
6 oz sliced French bread (1/2-inch slices)
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups skim milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350. Coat an 8-inch baking dish or pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Heat a nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add the ham, onion and bell pepper, and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes until ham is slightly browned. Add 2 tbsp water to the skillet and lower heat to medium. Add asparagus, and cook 3 minutes, until onions are softened and asparagus is bright green.

Spread mustard on the bread and layer it in the prepared baking dish. Top with the ham and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper, and pour the mixture into the baking dish. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours (wrapped and refrigerated). Bake 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed. Makes 4 servings.