Overnight Asparagus Strata

1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut in 1 inch pieces
4 English muffins, split and toasted
2 cups shredded Co-jack cheese, divided
1 cup fully cooked ham, cubed
½ c. chopped sweet red pepper
8 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions:
1. Bring water to boil, add asparagus, cook uncovered 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2. Arrange English muffin halves in a greased 9 x 13 pan, cut side up. Trim remaining muffin halves to fill spaces. Layer with 1 cup cheese, asparagus, ham, and red pepper.
3. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, mustard, and pepper. Pour over top. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven preheats. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

“This recipe came from my niece in Wisconsin. I do NOT KNOW where she got the recipe.”
Evonne Freeman