Holiday Strata easy make-ahead dish

Dear Jeanne: I make this often when I have company, and during the holidays; it is an easy make-ahead breakfast. I sometimes feel guilty because even though it is so good and everyone loves it, I think I should be serving healthier food. Can I make this healthier and still delicious? Thank you. – Martha McKinsley, Trenton, N.J.

Dear Martha: This is a full breakfast in a pan. There are some very simple substitutions you can make to improve the nutritional value of this dish. I tried it with turkey bacon, but it adds more fat than Canadian bacon, which is delicious as a replacement. The bread should be a more high-fiber version, and the cheese should be reduced-fat. If you can find sharp cheddar in reduced-fat, it adds more flavor. The amount of margarine poured over the top at the end is just not necessary. I don't think your guests could tell that this was lightened, except that they will feel better after eating it!

HOLIDAY STRATA

16 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into cubes

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

3 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped onion

8 eggs

3 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Dash Tabasco

1/2 cup margarine, melted

1 cup crushed cornflakes

Butter a 9-by-13-inch pan and cover the bottom with bread. Layer some bacon, cheese, green pepper and onion, and repeat. Mix up the eggs, milk and spices, and pour over the bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pour the margarine over the top and sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake at 325 F for 1 hour.

Makes 8 servings.

REDUCED-FAT HOLIDAY STRATA

16 slices light high-fiber bread, cut into cubes

8 ounces Canadian bacon, chopped

2 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1/3 cup chopped onion