Note:
This is one of those legendary recipes that is often requested by the Foodwine list. It comes from our good friend Dora Guerra, the Librarian at the Alamo (no kidding). This recipe has been served with rave reviews, particularly at brunch and late-night suppers, and has almost as may interseting variations and enticements as does Dora herself.
Stratas have endless variations and are perfect for making the night before a brunch.
9 slices bread, cubed
1 1/2 tbs. minced onion
1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 eggs
3 cups milk
1 tsp. each dry mustard and worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper
OPTIONAL: Add one of the following:
1/2 lb. bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
1/2 lb. sausage, cooked and drained
1 cup cubed cooked ham, turkey or chicken
1 cup shrimp or crab
1 cup sautéed mushrooms
Butter a 2 quart baking dish. Layer bread, onion, cheese and the
optional ingredients in the casserole. Beat eggs, milk and seasonings
together. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and let stand overnight in
refrigerator. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour, or until puffed and
center is set. Serves 8.
(I have prepared this sometimes using shrimp, sometimes sausage,
sometimes mushrooms. The shrimp and sausage are the ones which have
gotten the most rave reviews, and I usually add a bit more than what
the recipe calls for, of whichever optional ingredient I select.) Enjoy!
Dora