Recipe: Sweet Caramel Strata with Almonds and Cherries

SWEET CARAMEL STRATA WITH ALMONDS AND CHERRIES

"At holiday time, brunch is a great alternative to a dinner or cocktail party for entertaining. This festive strata features dried cherries and almonds and is served with a scrumptious butter sauce."

4 eggs
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups milk
7 cups challah, French or Italian bread cubes
3/4 cup dried cherries
1 cup sliced almonds
Almond Butter Sauce (recipe follows)

Mix eggs, sugar and extract in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in milk until well mixed.

Add bread cubes and cherries; toss to coat well. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with almonds.

Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on wire rack.

Serve strata with Almond Butter Sauce.

ALMOND BUTTER SAUCE

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons almond extract

Bring brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter and heavy cream to boil in medium saucepan on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.

Makes 12 servings
Source: McCormick