Monte Cristo Strata Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz. deli ham, chopped
- 8 oz. deli turkey, chopped
- 8 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Raspberry jam, for serving

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add the French bread cubes, chopped ham, chopped turkey, and shredded Swiss cheese to the mixing bowl. Gently toss to combine.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the mixture.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

8. Bake for 30 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is set.

10. Let the strata cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

11. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam on the side.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 800mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread instead of French bread.
- You can use any type of deli meat and cheese that you prefer.
- You can use honey instead of maple syrup.

Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Substitute the ham and turkey with cooked bacon or sausage.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use stale bread for the strata, as it will absorb the egg mixture better.
- You can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Serve the strata with a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the strata, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the strata on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of raspberry jam on top.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream

Pairings:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Breakfast potatoes
- Mimosas or Bloody Marys

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh fruit

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the strata is too dry, add more milk to the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread and meat.
- If the strata is too wet, reduce the amount of milk in the egg mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the strata to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- The Monte Cristo sandwich originated in the United States in the 1960s. It is typically made with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, and is served on French toast.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Monte Cristo Strata for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Eggy, Hammy, Sweet, Crunchy