Make-ahead Festive Strata (aka: "wife-saver")

Statas are the perfect make-ahead, time saving choice for a Holiday breakfast or brunch.

Assemble the day before, refrigerate and then pop into the oven for 35-45 minutes until crisp, puffy and golden brown.

This recipe contains meat, but you could easily substitute mushrooms.

Serves a crowd (10-12)

ingredient list:
2 tbsp butter
16 thick slices bread-cubed (preferably not too soft-ciabatta or sourdough work well)
8 links Italian sausage(remove casings), 1 cup chopped ham, or 1 lb bacon(cooked & crumbled)
1 red pepper
1 lg. onion
3 cloves garlic

1 pkg. baby spinach

2 c. shredded cheese (I use a combo of cheddar and jalapeno havarti)
12 eggs
3 c. milk
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tbsp. basil, 1tbsp thyme
salt & pepper
chopped green onion or parsley

   *Fry sausages until browned and crumbly, then add chopped onions, red pepper & garlic.

Lightly saute until soft, then add spinach. Cook another minute to soften.
Season with basil and thyme and remove from heat.
Beat eggs in a bowl, add milk, dijon, and salt & pepper.
Layer bread cubes, meat, (or mushroom mixture), and egg/milk mixture and cheeses.
End with an additional layer of cheese on top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
The next morning, bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving. Top with chopped green onions or parsley...simply delicious.