Asparagus & Ham Strata
Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes
Chilling time: At least 8 hours
Microwaving time: 21 minutes
Standing time: 10 minutes
Puffy and soufflelike, this casserole goes together a day ahead, then waits overnight in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook and serve it.
3/4 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, at room temperature
4 slices firm-textured white bread
1 3/4 cups (7 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup diced cooked ham
4 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons instant minced onion
1/2 teaspoon each dry mustard and Worcestershire
1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus, then cut stalks into 1-inch pieces and place in a 9-inch square microwave-safe baking dish. Add water; cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 5 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes to bring outside pieces to center. Drain asparagus and set aside.
Wipe baking dish dry, then evenly coat bottom and sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the butter. Spread remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over both sides of bread slices. Arrange bread in an even layer in baking dish; top evenly with 1 1/4 cups of the cheese, then with ham and asparagus.
In a small bowl, beat eggs until blended. Mix in onion, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, red pepper, and half-and-half. Pour egg mixture evenly over layered ingredients in baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or until next day.
To cook, microwave, uncovered, on MEDIUM-HIGH (70-80%) for 10 minutes, giving dish a half-turn after 5 minutes. Then microwave on HIGH (100%) for 3 minutes; give dish a half-turn and evenly sprinkle strata with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 3 more minutes. Let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes; strata should feel firm in center when lightly touched. To serve, cut into squares. Makes about 6 servings.
Per serving: 383 calories, 22 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates, 27 g total fat, 221 mg cholesterol, 754 mg sodium
