Italian Bacon, Tomato & Chicken Strata

I found this recipe in a cookbook I bought in Dallas last mo titled “Slow Cooker & Casserole 1-Dish Meals”. The subheader was “Recipes from Grandma’s Kitchen – Great for Potlucks & Family Gatherings”. I decided you could not ask for a better reccommendation than that, but this turned out to be the only recipe that was new for me. I am hoping I will be able to make & photograph it soon for you ... assuming I can find some good focaccia bread which I think is the real Italian heart of this recipe. I think you could make it even moreso by using an Italian seasoning blend + perhaps a good Italian cheese instead of cheddar. Some sort of mix of Mozzarella, Asiago or Parmesan comes to mind, but I would have to do some homework to make that choice. Until then, I have entered the recipe as written & I hope you enjoy this if you manage to try it b4 I am able to do so.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 squares

Ingredients

• 8  slices bacon
• 1  lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 12  ounces focaccia bread (sliced into 1/2 in thick pieces)
• 2  large tomatoes (cored & sliced)
• 8  eggs or 2  cups egg substitute
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream (light cream or milk may also be used. You decide this.)
• 2  cups cheddar cheese (grated)
• 1  teaspoon salt
•  pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a lrg skillet, cook bacon over med-heat, drain on paper towels & set aside.
3. Keeping a little bacon fat in the pan, add chicken, saute till cooked through & set aside.
4. Cover the bottom of a 13x9 in baking dish w/focaccia slices. Cover bread w/tomato slices & then bacon. Cut chicken into thin slices & lay over the bacon. Top w/more focaccia.
5. In a lrg bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt & pepper. Pour mixture over strata & sprinkle top w/cheese.
6. Bake 35-45 min till cheese has melted & strata feels firm to the touch. Cut into 8 squares & serve hot.
7. NOTE: Altho not mentioned, I assume this could be prepared the nite b4 intended to serve. I think it would make a great brunch or luncheon dish or work as well for a dinner meal when served w/an Italian salad of your choice. Enjoy!