Tasteful Tidbits
Eggs Benedict "Strata Style"
Created by Chef Dale Miller, Certified Master Chef
Fun Food Fact:
A Strata is simply an American version of savory egg custard and is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. The usual preparation requires the bread to be layered with the filling in order to produce layers (strata).
It was popularized in the 1984 Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas...
Make sure to prepare this recipe the night before to allow the muffins time to soak up the savory custard. Then bake it in the morning while the coffee brews and the table is being set.
Better yet, bake it two days in advance and refrigerate. When needed, just cover with foil and warm it in a low temperature oven (250°F) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Strata Ingredients:
- 6 English Muffins, split, lightly toasted and buttered
- 12 Slices Canadian Bacon, lightly fried on each side
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Shallots, minced
- 4 c. Milk
- 8 Large Eggs
- 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
- 3 tsp. Lemon Zest
- Dash of Tabasco
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Pan Spray or Soft Butter
Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- Spray ramekins or casserole pan with non-stick spray or lightly coat with soft butter. Place ½ of a prepared English muffin each in the bottom of twelve 8oz. round ramekin and lay one slice of Canadian bacon on top or shingle the muffins and bacon in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch rectangular casserole or cake pan.
- Heat olive oil in a small pan and lightly sauté the shallot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, shallots, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Season to taste with a dash of Tabasco and salt and pepper.
- Divide mixture into ramekins (about ½ cup each) or if using a 9 x 13-inch pan pour mixture over muffins and bacon. Top with chopped parsley.
- Let sit for at least several hours and press down muffin and bacon if they are floating to the top. Bake in the center of 350°F oven until puffed, golden, firm to the touch or a knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Allow the Strata to set for about 10 or 15 minutes before serving.
Note: A simple dish that can be made in advance and served and shared with ease with COVALEY serving utensils. Enjoy!
Yields 8-12 servings.
Plate. Serve. Share. With COVALEY Serving Utensils.
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