May is national egg month and Innkeeper Donna Muilenburg from the Okoboji Country Inn wants to share her wonderful hearty Brunch Strata recipe.

BRUNCH STRATA:
1 cup broccoli florets
5 cups 1/2 inch French bread cubes (about 8 ounces)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1 cup cubed cooked ham (6 ounces)
3 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 milk
2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tsp. dry mustard
dash black pepper

In a small saucepan cook broccoli, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 4 to 6 minutes or until just tender, drain well. Set aside. (I usually steam in microwave)
In a greased 2 quart square baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes. Top with cheese, ham and broccoli. Top with the remaining bread cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, onion, mustard, and pepper. Pour egg mixture evenly over the layers in dish. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
Uncover and bake in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Check out the Iowa Egg Council website at www.iowaegg.org and you will find some more delicious egg recipes you may want to try.