Ham and Cheese Strata

            Ham and Cheese Strata

1 (1-pound) loaf French bread

1 (8-oz) package fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 ½ tsp chopped fresh oregano or ½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp pepper

¼ cup butter, melted

2/3 cup milk

2 cups chopped cooked ham

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

½ cup chopped green onions

6 large eggs

2 cups milk

¼ cup spicy brown mustard

¼ tsp pepper

Hot sauce to taste

1 1/3 cups sour cream

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cut off and discard crusty ends of bread.  Tear rest of loaf into bite-size chunks.  Arrange bread in a heavily greased 13-x 9-x 2- inch baking dish.  Set aside.

Cook mushroom, 1 ½ tsp fresh oregano, and ¼ tsp pepper in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mushrooms are tender.  Sprinkle mushroom mixture over bread.  Pour 2/3 cup milk over mushroom mixture.  Sprinkle with ham and next 3 ingredients.

Combine eggs and next 4 ingredients.  Beat with a wire whisk until blended.  Pour egg mixture over layers in dish.  Cover and chill 8 hours.

Bake strata, covered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes.  Remove from oven, and spread with sour cream.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Broil 4 inches from heat (with electric oven door partially opened) 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned.  Serve hot.  Yield:  8 servings.