BREAKFAST STRATA: EASY RECIPE FOR A BRUNCH CROWD

Steps:

• Butter a standard (9x13) casserole dish. Combine eggs, milk, cream, herbs and parmesan or romano thoroughly (If you're using whole milk you don't need the cream--just replace it with more milk). Heat a tablespoon or so of oil in a medium skillet. Sauté the sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Remove from pan. Add a little bit more oil and the shallots or scallions and the pepper. Sauté until slightly softened. Combine with sausage. Assemble the strata. Place a layer of bread slices on the bottom of the dish. Tear little bits off extra slices to fill in gaps. Cover with half the sausage/pepper mixture. Pour half the egg mixture over and than sprinkle on half the cheese. Repeat. Top with cherry tomatoes. Cover and refrigerate until needed, at least 20 minutes. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes to 1 hour. Variation Ideas: Mediterranean strata: Use a combination of artichoke hearts, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and other Mediterranean ingredients. Swiss strata: How about onions, mushrooms, spinach and Swiss cheese? Simple strata: Steamed broccoli and tomatoes.