Instructions: Trim crusts from bread if desired. Cut circles from center of bread slices with a biscuit cutter; set aside. Place the remaining bread scraps in the bottom of a lightly buttered 13x9x2 inch casserole dish.

Layer cheese slices and ham cubes over top of bread; sprinkle with minced onion. Arrange bread circles in a decorative pattern over top.

(Note: Strata will be just as delicious and almost as attractive if bread slices are simply cut into quarters and layered with ham and cheese.) Lightly beat eggs. Add milk, salt, mustard and nutmeg. Pour over contents of baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate 24 hours or overnight. Uncover and bake at 325*

55 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 to 10
servings. Sparkling Cranberry juice or Champagne are great accompaniments

This is a great make ahead recipe for Christmas or New years Eve morning. You make it 24 hours in advance and then just pop it in the oven. What could be easier?!!:)

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