from Ellie's kitchen

CHEESE & HAM STRATA

This can be assembled, covered and refrigerated overnight or baked immediately.

7-inch long piece of French or Italian bread,
cut in 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons mustard, preferably whole-grain Dijon
4 slices ham, such as Virginia, Black Forest
or honey baked
1 medium-size ripe tomato, thinly sliced
2 oz. cheese such as Fontina, Swiss or Cheddar, in thin strips or shredded (1/2 cup)
2 medium-size scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Spread one side of bread slices with mustard. Arrange half the slices, mustard side up, over the bottom of prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary. Cut or tear ham in strips and distribute over bread. Top with tomato slices, cheese, scallions and remaining bread, mustard side down. Beat eggs, milk and pepper until blended. Pour evenly over bread.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and edges of bread are golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Woman's Day  (2 servings)