Ingredients

8 slices whole grain bread
¼ cup butter, softened
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 ½ cups half-and-half
3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pound smoked salmon (about 2 cups), skin and pin bones removed
½ teaspoon paprika

Directions

Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Butter bread on both sides, stack the bread and cut it into small cubes.

In a medium sized bowl whisk the eggs, brown sugar, Dijon and the half-and-half.

Layer one half of the bread in the prepared pan, one half of the cheese and one half of the salmon. Repeat layers. Pour the egg mixture over all layers. Sprinkle paprika over the top. Chill overnight.

Remove Strata from refrigerator ½ hour before baking. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean

Variation Tip: Fresh cooked salmon or canned salmon may be substituted for the smoked salmon in this recipe.

Makes 4 to 6 servings