Friday, April 27, 2012

Asparagus, Bacon, and Cheese Strata

When I came across this recipe on Weight Watchers I had never heard of the word "strata".  I looked it up on the internet and found that a strata is a casserole type dish of layers that usually consist of eggs, cheese and bread (stale).

My husband surprised me and said he really liked this dish, probably because it has bacon.  He likes anything with bacon.

I did make some changes to the original recipe based on what I had on hand.  

Asparagus, Bacon, and Cheese Strata

Ingredients:

4 Slices of uncooked reduced fat bacon, diced (turkey bacon would be better, but I did not have any)
1/2 Cup onions, diced
2 Cups asparagus, diced
5-6 Slices whole wheat bread
4 Large eggs
4 Large egg whites
3/4 Fat-free evaporated milk (you can also skim milk)
2 Tsp honey dijon
1/4 Tsp salt
1/4 Tsp black pepper
1 Cup + 2 Tbsp of low-fat cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or monterey-jack)

Heat a cast iron skillet or ovenproof skillet over medium heat.  Add bacon and cook until brown.

Remove bacon from skillet and pour any remaining grease out.  Add onion and asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes.  

Remove vegetables from pan and set aside with bacon.  

Preheat broiler.

Remove skillet from heat and spray with cooking spray if necessary, then carefully arrange bread slices around the bottom of skillet (I did have some overlapping).

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, egg whites, milk, mustard, salt and pepper.  Pour over the bread slices covering completely.

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of cheese over the bread and egg mixture.

Place skillet back onto medium-high heat.  Cook and shake the pan to allow for even cooking of the eggs.  Cook until the eggs become a little set (about 4-5 mins.)

Place skillet under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes to allow the eggs to set further.  Remove the skillet from oven and top with bacon/vegetable mixture.  Then add remaining cheese and place back under broiler until cheese is completely melted.

Remove from oven, cool slightly and serve into individual slices.  Enjoy!

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