Fresh Asparagus And Prosciutto Strata

Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, tough ends removed discarded (cut the asparagus into about 2-inch pieces)
• 1 loaf bread (use a crusty french or italian bread cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 4 ounces prosciutto (thinly-sliced and cut into 1/2-inch strips)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded asiago cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
• 6 large eggs
• 3 1/2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• salt and black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Recipe

• 1 butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• 2 cook the asparagus in boiling water (or steam) for about 2-3 minutes; drain and plunge into ice water or very cold water; drain and pat dry with paper towels.
• 3 spread half of the cubed bread into the baking dish.
• 4 top with half of the prosciutto, then half of the cooked asparagus, half of the cheese and half of the chives.
• 5 layer remaining bread cubes on top, followed by remaining prosciutto, asparagus, cheese and then chives.
• 6 in a bowl whisk eggs, milk, lemon peel, salt, pepper and pinch cayenne (if using) until well blended; pour evenly over the layered ingredients.
• 7 cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.
• 8 bake in a 350°f oven for about 40-50 minutes.
• 9 serve warm or at room temperature.