Leek Brie Strata Food

LEEK & BRIE STRATA

Steps:

• 1. Trim off the darkest green tops of the leeks. Peel off and discard wilted or discolored leaves. Halve or quarter the leeks lengthwise, then rinse under cold running water. Place in a bowl and fill with cold water. Repeat process at least twice to remove any sand from between the layers; drain and pat dry. Cut into thin slices. You should have about 4 cups. 2. Lightly coat a 2 ½-quart baking dish with some of the butter and set aside. Melt remaining butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until tender but not browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper; set aside to cool. 3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until foamy. Whisk in milk until blended, then whisk in Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt and a grinding of pepper. Spread half of bread cubes in the bottom of prepared pan. Spoon leeks evenly over the top, followed by dried tomatoes and then the pieces of Brie. Spread remaining bread over cheese. Pour egg mixture over top, pressing lightly to moisten bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. 4. Remove strata from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, on center oven rack 45 minutes or until puffed, browned and cooked in the center. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

MUSHROOM AND THREE-CHEESE STRATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool.
• Combine bread and milk in large bowl. Let stand until milk is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Whisk half and half and next 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Stir in goat cheese.
• Place half of bread mixture in single layer in prepared glass baking dish (bread will not cover bottom of baking dish). Top with half each of mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, Fontina cheese, and half and half mixture. Repeat layering with remaining bread, mushrooms, Parmesan and Fontina cheeses, and half and half mixture. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Bake strata uncovered until firm in center, puffed and golden, about 1 hour.

CHEESY LEEK STRATA

Steps:

• In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer half of the bread cubes, half of the leeks and half of the red pepper, 3/4 cup Swiss cheese and 3/4 cup cheddar cheese. Repeat layers once., In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, beer, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over cheese. Cover with plastic wrap. Weigh strata down with a slightly smaller baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight., Remove strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

BRIE AND EGG STRATA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add onion, potato, and bell pepper; saute 4 minutes or until tender.
• Stir in tomatoes; saute 2 minutes, stir in 1/2 teaspoons salt.
• Combine onion mixture and bread.
• Place half of bread mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of Brie.
• Top with remaining bread mixture and remaining Brie.
• Put egg substitue and eggs in a medium bowl.
• Add remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt, herbes de Provence, and pepper.
• Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
• Pour egg mixture over the bread.
• Let stand 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Bake for 50 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Serve immediately.
• OVERNIGHT INSTRUCTIONS.
• **The night before, assemble and layer the casserole without the egg mixture (steps one and two); cover and refrigerate.
• Combine the egg mixture (step three), and refrigerate in a separate container.
• In the morning, pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture; allow the strata to stand for 30 minutes before baking.

BRIE-LEEK TARTLETS

Steps:

• In a small skillet, saute leek and garlic in butter until tender.
• Add the cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
• Place tart shells on a baking sheet.
• Slice cheese into 15 pieces; place one piece in each tart shell.
• Top each with 1 1/2 tsp leek mixture.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until heated through.
• Refrigerate leftovers.