Recipe: Ham and Apple Strata

Ham and Apple Strata
This recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal because it must be refrigerated for at least 6 hours. Just pop it in the oven about an hour before brunch. It is so good that you will definitely get raves!

3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
Sugar and ground cinnamon to cover apple slices
6 slices whole wheat bread (cut off crust)
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/4 cups half & half (can substitute part non-fat)
1 1/2 cups cup up ham
8 eggs
1 tablespoon ground mustard powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl combine sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon.

Spread one side of bread with butter. Arrange buttered slices in single layer in prepared baking dish.Layer 1/2 Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, ham pieces, and sugared apple slices. Top with the remaining 1/2 Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, half & half, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour mixture over the cheese. Cover and refrigerat at least 6 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.