Mixed Berry Strata

May... the season for graduations, weddings  and..... houseguests. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. It might be a great time to have the house fumigated.. Or finally gut the guest bathroom. Heck, it might even be worth starting that kitchen remodel that you've been putting off for 10 years. It isn't of course because you don't love Aunt Flo - you just don't have any idea how you are going to cook great meals  AND prepare for that graduation/wedding and work and ... you know the rest. ( Disclaimer - if  you  do not  love Aunt Flo I am sorry  but  this post can't help you with that problem.) So, if the only thing keeping you from having your  nearest and dearest gathered under your roof  is "what to cook for them and do all the other stuff" - no worries. I've got it covered.  For breakfast, this Mixed  Berry Strata is a perfect way to start the day. Pair it with some bacon or sausage or serve it with some plain greek style yogurt - add in your beverage of choice and you are good to go!

Mixed Berry Strata
Serves 6


For the Bread Layer
 1 1/2 Sourdough baguette loaves, cut into 1 inch pieces
5 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup 1% reduced fat milk (or whole milk)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1Tbsp. powdered sugar

For Berry Layer
Two (16 oz.) bags of frozen berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Cooking Spray

Directions:


In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk and vanilla. Beat with a whisk until combined. Add all the bread cubes and toss to combine. Set aside. Spray a 9 x 13 inch pyrex baking dish with cooking spray. Pour in the frozen berries and sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon and the cornstarch  over them. Toss to combine. Top berries with the bread mixture, spreading evenly and  pouring any remaining egg/milk mixture over the bread. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
To bake: Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees and remove the strata  from the refrigerator.   Uncover the strata and dust the top with the 1 Tbsp. of granulated sugar. When the oven is heated, put the strata  in and bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the berries are bubbling. Dust with powdered sugar and serve!

Notes: This strata  can also be assembled just prior to baking.

What's in it for me!!


Each serving of this strata contains approximately 7 grams of fiber - almost one third of your RDA (recommended dietary allowance). In addition to fiber, berries also are good sources of vitamin C and  potassium  and are low in calories. Berries are also an  excellent sources of  flavonoids - a phytochemical that that has anti oxidant properties. The exact nature of how these phytochemicals work and how they might prevent various diseases is still being researched but the initial studies are conclusive - berries not only taste good but  are good for you!!!