Vegetable and Cheese Strata
Southwestern Vegetable and Cheese Strata
Serves 8
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped scallion
3/4 pound mushrooms, sliced think
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 red peppers, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 green peppers, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 7 oz can of Green Chilis
Enough French or Italian buttered bread cut into 1-inch cubes to measure 8 cups (about 1 loaf)
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup medium-dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1/2 cup coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar (10 ounces)
1 cup coarsely grated Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
9 large eggs
3 cups half and half
2 Tbsp Dijon-style mustard
1/2 tsp Tabasco or to taste (may not need if using Pepper Jack Cheese)
1 tsp Chili Powder
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Arrange bread in single layer on large baking sheet and bake until dry not crisp, approximately 20 minutes, turning slices over halfway through. When cooled, butter slices on one side with 2 tablespoons butter; cut into cubes and set aside.
In a large skillet cook the onion in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened.
Add the scallions and bell peppers and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring for approximately 5 minutes then add mushrooms. Cook until all the liquid the mushrooms give off is evaporated and the peppers are tender. Salt and Pepper to taste. Transfer vegetable mixture to medium bowl and cool.
Add wine to skillet, increase to medium-high, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup, 2 to 3 minutes; set aside.
Butter baking dish with remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
Arrange half the bread cubes in a buttered large shallow baking dish, spread half the vegetable mixture over them, and sprinkle half the cheese over the vegetables.
Arrange the remaining bread cubes over the cheeses, top them with the remaining vegetables, and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top.
In a bowl whisk together the eggs and parsley until combined; whisk in reduced wine, half and half, the mustard, chili powder, and optional Tabasco sauce, with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the strata, and chill covered, overnight.
Let the strata stand at room temperature for 20 minutes and bake it in the middle of a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until puffed and golden and cooked through.
Adapted from Epicurious
