Grandma Joan's Strata

Christmas of my freshman year in college coincided with the compilation of my Grandma Joan's favorite recipes. I have treasured the two volumes I received and have the stained pages to prove it.





There is one recipe that is always a hit. It's a great brunch item or breakfast for guests. Make it the night before and simply put it in the oven to bake in the morning. It couldn't be more simple.

Grandma Joan's Strata
1 lb. bulk pork sausage
5 slices white bread
Soft butter
3/4 lb. (3 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 cup diced green chilis (I usually use more)

Crumble sausage in a medium skillet; cook over high heat, stirring frequently until meat is browned. Drain off excess grease; set aside. Remove crusts from bread; lightly butter one side of each slice and cut into cubes. Place half the bread cubes in bottom of buttered square baking dish; sprinkle with half the cheese and cover with the browned sausage. Place remaining bread cubes over sausage and top with remaining cheese.

Combine eggs, milk and seasonings; pour over cheese and bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Before baking, sprinkle with chopped green chilis. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown. Let set. Serves 4-6.

You can also use ham instead of sausage.