CHEESE AND PEPPER STRATA

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced green onions
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 8 cups French bread cubes
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 7 large eggs
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 2 dashes hot pepper sauce
• 4 cups homogenized milk

Directions

1. In a non-stick frypan over medium heat sauté bell peppers and onions in butter just until tender, about 5 minutes; cool.
2. Place half of bread cubes in a greased shallow 3 quart (3 L) casserole. Sprinkle with half of cheese and top with half of bell pepper mixture. Repeat layers with remaining bread cubes, cheese and bell pepper mixture.
3. Whisk together eggs, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Whisk in milk.
4. Pour mixture evenly over strata. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Remove from refrigerator and let stand for 20 - 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Bake, uncovered, 350°F until mixture is set in centre, about 1 1/4 hours. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.