Christmas Brunch

Apple Walnut Maple Strata

Sweet & Savory

Christmas brunch offers you the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.  While the Christmas dinner menu is fixed with the traditional dishes, Christmas brunch is a blank canvas where you can try new sweet or savory dishes.   With its warm apple filling and crunchy side of bacon, this Apple Walnut Maple Strata combines the best of both worlds and is best made the night before.

Apple Walnut Maple Strata

1. Cut a 1 pound loaf of cinnamon raisin bread into 1 inch cubes.
2. Grease a 9x13x2 inch baking dish and place the bread cubes in the bottom.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon almond extract.
4. Peel, core and dice 2 apples (of your choice) and chop ½ cup walnuts.
5. Stir apples and walnuts into the egg mixture and pour onto the bread cubes, pressing down to soak all bread pieces.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3 hours if you’re pressed for time).
7. Preheat oven and bake uncovered for around 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar and maple syrup.  Serve with a side of crispy bacon.  Yields 8 servings.

Crispy Bacon

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