Spicy Strata

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 medium scallions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound loaf ciabatta or French bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, rinsed and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Avocado, for garnish

1. Butter 8-by-8-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Heat butter over medium heat.
3. When it foams, add scallions, and cook until just softened, about 1 minute.
4. Add asparagus and cook until bright green and beginning to soften, about 2 minutes; remove from heat.
5. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt, cumin, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly combined.
6. Arrange half of the bread in bottom of prepared dish.
7. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese and half each of jalapenos, cilantro, and asparagus mixture.
8. Pour over half of egg mixture.
9. Repeat layering with remaining bread, another 1/2 cup of the cheese, and remaining chilies, cilantro and asparagus mixture.
10. Pour remaining egg mixture over top.
11. Sprinkle strata with another 1/4 cup of the cheese and push to ensure bread is submerged in egg custard.
12. Cover with plastic wrap, put a plate and a 1-pound weight on top (a large can of tomatoes or rice in a re-sealable plastic bag works well), place in refrigerator for 1 to 12 hours.
13. When ready to bake, heat oven to 325 degrees F and arrange rack in the middle.
14. Let strata sit at room temperature while oven heats, at least 20 minutes.
15. Sprinkle strata with remaining 1/4 cup of the cheese and bake until puffed and edges pull away slightly, about 40 to 45 minutes.
16. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
17. Serve with some cilantro, sour cream, and avocado, as desired.

unsalted butter, scallions, eggs, kosher salt, cumin, ground black pepper, bread, cheese, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, avocado

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/spicy-strata-recipe.html (may not work)