Ham and Asparagus Strata Recipe Entertain Easily with a Strata
What's the easiest, most affordable way to entertain? Brunch! Whether family and friends have gathered for a simple get-together or an extended stay, brunch is a good way to satisfy hungry houseguests.
Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, offers you a wide range of menu possibilities to please guests. Eggs are traditional and, even though they provide the highest-quality protein of any food, are a great value compared to other protein foods.
There are many possibilities for a satisfying brunch entree. If you use ready-made pastry crusts, quiches are an easy choice. Allowing one quiche for each six servings, you could stagger two or three quiches in the oven, all the same or each flavored differently to suit your company. Omelets are good for pleasing different palates, too. With you or another family member serving as omelet chef, diners can choose favorite foods to fill the omelets from an assortment you've provided.
Another possibility is a simple, satisfying strata casserole. If it's more convenient for you, make it ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight or freeze it. Simply allow more cooking time for a chilled or thawed casserole. Serve a strata (or two or three) with the appetite appeal of ham and eggs and the colorful addition of asparagus, or flavor the strata with foods your guests especially like or you have on hand.
Whichever dish you select, you'll be serving up the natural nutrition of eggs at a price that will hardly dent your budget. And your guests will love your choice because nearly everyone loves eggs. For easy quiche, omelet and strata recipes and how-to videos, see www.IncredibleEgg.org.
6 servings
Ham and Asparagus Strata Recipe Ingredients
Cooking spray
12 to 16 slices (1/2-inch thick) French or Italian bread (about 4 oz.)
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Italian-blend cheese
1 cup (4 oz.) chopped cooked lean ham
8 oz. fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
6 eggs
1 cup skim or low-fat milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Ham and Asparagus Strata Recipe Preparation
Evenly coat 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish with spray.
Layer half of the bread on bottom of dish.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese, 1/2 cup of the ham and 1 cup of the asparagus.
Cover with remaining bread, laying slices flat or in a shingled pattern.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese, ham and asparagus.
In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, lemon juice and garlic powder.
Pour evenly over layers.
Cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave on full power for 5 minutes.
Rotate dish 1/4 turn.
Microwave on half power, rotating dish 1/4 turn each 3 to 5 minutes until thermometer inserted near center
reads 160 degree F and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes.
More Recipes
Omelets Are a Simple Meal Solution (Cherry Tomato and Portobello Omelet)
You can prepare each family member an omelet filled with his or her favorite foods in a matter of minutes for a morning, mid-day or evening meal.
Serve a Simple, Satisfying Meal: Poached Eggs on Roasted Veggies
Pristine poached eggs - served in cups, on toast, or dressed up in a Benedict variation - are a favorite day-starter for dieters, treat-seekers and everyone in between.
Speed Cook With an International Flair (Huevos Revueltos a la Mexicana)
Mexican scrambled eggs (or Huevos Revueltos a la Mexicana) are flavored to suit local tastes. All variations start with a mixture of fresh tomato and chilies
Entertain Easily with a Strata (Ham and Asparagus Strata)
Serve a strata (or two or three) with the appetite appeal of ham and eggs and the colorful addition of asparagus, or flavor the strata with foods your guests especially like or you have on hand.
Not Your Grandma's Chicken Soup
A new twist to the age-old chicken soup-combining the healing power of tea and chicken soup-a must-have in your recipe repertoire.
Baked Brie with California Raisins
Try this easy and delicious raisin recipe for your next holiday party. California Raisins, port wine and rich pecans make a decadent filling for Brie cheese wrapped in a warm, flaky puff pastry.
Sandra Lee Makes Your Gathering a Little Sweeter (Chocolate Cherry Crumble)
Whether it's milk or dark, white or semi-sweet, chocolate has a knack for pleasing many as a satisfying after-dinner treat. Chocolate also contains a wealth of health benefits that only make it more attractive for guilt-free consumption.
Warm the Heart with a Sweet Treat
Make everyone's taste buds quiver with a raspberry sweet treat.
Tired of Salsa? Take a Dip on the Green Side
Dip made with avocados is an ideal snack. That's right, ditch the salsa and opt for a creamy dip that's easy to whip up, tastes great with chips or veggies and can be made ahead of time.
"The World's Best Crab Cakes"
We call our local cuisine "Southern Regional," and many of our chefs feature the bounty of the Chesapeake and Shenandoah. The following local recipe favorite will give you a taste of what Washington DC offers
Herb Marinated Grilled Steaks
With the arrival of warmer weather comes the promise of one of America's greatest traditions: the outdoor barbecue.
Burger Tips for Barbecue Success (GREEK GOURMET BURGER)
Burgers, the quintessential barbecue fare, are among America's all-time favorite foods. For variety, top them with unconventional fixings, such as avocado slices, arugula, salsa and fresh basil.
Citrus 101: Add Zest to Your Health with Citrus (Rio Star Mini Cheesecakes & Rio Star Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
One of the healthiest kinds of citrus fruits is the grapefruit. In season from October through May of each year, tangy, juicy grapefruit complements many other foods, making it easy to pair with other items.
And while many people choose to eat grapefruit by itself, it is also great when combined with other healthy foods.
Parents Make Time for Healthy Choices
Many health care professionals stress the significance of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and organic food items for children.
| 
