Spinach Strata
Marta Robinson
***Winner of Savory Foods Category***
- 3/4 of a loaf of Challah bread, about 3/4 lb, sliced (available in our Bakery on Fridays and Saturdays)
- (2) 10-oz pkgs frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1½ cups finely chopped onion (about 1/2 lb)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded Comté Gruyère cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano (about 4 oz)
- 2¾ cups milk
- 9 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Several hours before assembling strata, place bread slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet and allow it to “dry out”. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Squeeze handfuls of spinach to remove as much liquid as possible. Cook onion in butter in a large skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add spinach and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread one half of bread cubes in baking dish. Top evenly with one half of spinach mixture. Sprinkle with one half of each cheese. Repeat layering.
Whisk together milk, eggs, mustard, and remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper in a large bowl and pour evenly over strata. Chill strata, covered with plastic wrap, overnight (at least 8 hours for bread to absorb custard).
Let strata stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350º F. Bake strata, uncovered, in the middle of the oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 50-55 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Makes 12-14 servings
Carmelized Coconut Coffee Cake
Angel Perkins
***Winner of the Sweets Category***
Cake:
- 1 1/3 cups biscuit baking mix
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup milk
Topping:
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ cup coconut
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all cake ingredients and mix well. Pour into greased and floured 9-inch pan. Bake 35-40 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the topping ingredients. Butter may appear lumpy after mixing. When done, remove cake from oven and spread topping over cake. Broil 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and light brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cool.
Cake may be made up to 2 days ahead up to point before the topping is added. Cover and keep at room temperature, then proceed with broiling.
