This morning I prepared a very special brunch for my family in honor of my husband.  As we were expecting guests to join us, I wanted to create something that did not require my presence in the kitchen all morning.  While visiting my husband's family in Pittsburgh last month, his mother {who is a wonderful cook} baked a delicious egg strada for breakfast one morning - as they are ideally prepared the night before, this was a perfect choice.  I turned it up a notch with turkey sausage and havarti cheese - the result was an ooeey-gooey delightful dish.

And what is brunch without Mary?  There is something so beautiful about these blood red libations poured into crystal glasses...

Recipe:  Havarti Egg Strada

~Turkey Sausage

~ 1/2 c. white onion

~6 eggs

~2c. milk

~4c. shredded Havarti

~loaf of a dense white bread {organic if possible}; crusts removed and slices buttered

Butter a deep baking dish and set aside.  Brown sausage and onion - set aside.  Gently whip eggs and milk until completely combined. 

To Build:  Create a layer of buttered bread slices {butter side up} in dish.  Top with half of the sausage, then top with 1/3 of the havarti.  Repeat layer.  Add another layer of bread, top with havarti and pour egg mixture over entire dish.  Cover and let set-up overnight.  In the morning, heat the over to 350 and bake for 45 minutes - or until golden and bubbly - enjoy!