Fresh Asparagus And Prosciutto Strata

• 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)

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 350u0b0F oven for about 40-50 minutes.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

fresh asparagus, bread, asiago cheese, fresh chives, eggs, fullfat milk, salt, cayenne pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fresh-asparagus-and-prosciutto-strata-169044 (may not work)