Ham Asparagus Strata

Great recipe that you make the night before. It is also really good vegetarian style. Just leave off the ham.

Asparagus Cheese Strata

1 pound fresh asparagus
2 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup coarsely chopped cooked ham
5 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon each dry mustard and Worcestershire
2 Tablespoons instant minced onion
6 slices whole wheat bread
1/4 teaspoon each salt and garlic powder
Dash Cayenne pepper

Remove tough ends from fresh asparagus and cut into 1 inch pieces. Drop into boiling water to cover and cook rapidly until just tender (about 4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Trim crusts from bread and fit into the bottom of a greased 7 X 11 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheese over bread. Top with ham and asparagus. Sprinkle dried onion on top.

In a bowl, mix eggs, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, cayenne and milk until well blended. Pour over layered ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or over night.

Bake, uncovered, in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and cook another 10 minutes or until firm. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Enjoy!