By: Cindy Widder, Berlin Natural Bakery General Manager In our busy lives, there’s just something so welcoming when the opportunity arises to have a weekend free, or a special get together with friends and family. The recipe I’m sharing this time enhances that warm and cozy feeling that such times can bring. This recipe a layered, savory breakfast strata that is made ahead of time and is the perfect weekend brunch or can be used for any meal of the day. Strata is Italian for a baked egg and bread layered casserole and can be filled with meat, cheeses, and/or vegetables. The recipe has all of the above. Instead of spending a lot of time in the kitchen, you just stick this hearty casserole into the oven and get back to relaxing, reading a great book or spending time with your loved ones.

Hearty Farmer's Strata

Ingredients: 1 pound sliced bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces 2 cups chopped fully cooked ham 1 small onion, chopped 10 slices Berlin Natural Bakery Spelt Bread (any variety) 1 cup cubed cooked potatoes (Can used frozen hash browns that have thawed) 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 8 eggs 3 cups milk 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon ground mustard Salt and Pepper to taste Directions: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; add ham and onion. Cook and stir until onion is tender; drain. In a greased 13-in x 9-in baking dish, layer half the bread cubes, potatoes and cheese. Top with all of the bacon mixture. Repeat layers of bread, potatoes and cheese. In a large bowl, beat the eggs; add the milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over all. Cover and chill overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees, for 65-70 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Yield: 16 servings. That’s it…..simple and delicious. Until next time…..Happy Baking!!