Vegetable Strata
Serves about 12-14 at a buffet. Make several for a big event.


1 10 oz loaf of hearty bread, cut into cubes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cups milk
1/2 cup honey
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or other dried red chili as desired
3 eggs
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white peppercorns
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onion
1 cup finely diced red or green bell peppers
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano or Reggiano cheese
paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and put the bread pieces in the dish. Drizzle with the olive oil. In a batter bowl, whisk milk, honey, cayenne, eggs, salt and pepper. Set aside. Sprinkle the bread with the diced vegetables. Pour the milk mixture over. The mixture should be very moist but not soupy. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Bake 45-60 minutes, or until nicely browned on the top. If desired, drizzle with a salsa or a vinaigrette just before serving.

Vegetable Dishes