Millions of us are currently housebound as we await the end of the Covid-19 quarantines. Weekdays blur into weekends, and it becomes difficult to maintain normal schedules. Some are struggling to obtain basic groceries. All of us are subject to anxiety and worries. But, some of us, even those with young children at home, remain fortunate enough to be have the dual blessing and luxury of time and ingredients to prepare and share a family breakfast.
This strata, like those prepared by our parents and grandparents, offers a means to produce a simple, nutritious and slightly fancy meal. It multi-tasks as breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and makes good use of leftovers and basic ingredients.
Mix up the strata the day before. Let it rest, covered, in the fridge until the next morning. Bake and serve with fresh fruit and you have a Sunday Brunch worthy dish on any day you have the luxury of a relaxed morning–even if that luxury is accompanied by self-quarantine or social distancing. And don’t forget to give thanks!
There are lots of options:
I used leftover Challah for the bread, and seasoned the dish with a healthy sprinkle of Za’Atar.
You might layer in left-over cooked veggies (mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, artichokes, asparagus?)
Feel free change out the spices with whatever you have on hand. (I’m thinking Shakshuka!)
Substitute whatever dairy or non-dairy milk you have on hand. I used Soy Milk.
If it suits your dietary choices, add chopped, cooked meat.
Ingredients:
8 slices white bread (about 8 oz total)
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup regular milk or non-dairy milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
nonstick cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Za’atar (or seasoning of your choice
Procedure:
1. Spray your dish with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray. Combine the milk, eggs and seasonings. Mix well with a fork.
2. Layer half the bread in the greased dish, pushing pieces together to cover the surface.
3. Sprinkle on half the cheese and half any additional ingredients you are using Pour half the milk/egg liquid over.
4. Repeat with the remaining bread, cheese, additional ingredients and milk/egg mixture.
5. Top with additional seasonings. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
6. To cook, let strata sit at room temperature for half an hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350.
7. Bake 30-45 minutes or until puffed and golden. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Servings: 4 generously or 6 smaller servings
Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours and 40 minutes (includes resting time in refrigerator)
Oven Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of a recipe (7.4 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe Type: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
