Fluffy Ham and Egg Strata

12 slices white bread, buttered and cubed.
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 c. ham, cubed
10 eggs
3 c. milk (For richness, you can use some half and half or evaporated milk)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 T. minced onion. You can use any onions you have. I usually add more than this.
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Alternate layers of cubed bread (first), cheese (second) and ham (third) in buttered 9 x 13 pan or 2 qt. baking dish. Make two complete layers before adding egg mixture.

Blend eggs, milk, mustard, onion and seasonings. Pour over layered mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until set. This casserole will set more after taken out of oven. Because of the amount of eggs, it is super fluffy.

Tips: You can substitute ham with canadian bacon, bacon or sausage - whatever you have. You can add peppers, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes. Enjoy it for dinner, also!

Spaghetti Carbonara

This is a favorite in our house. Riley always ask for 2nds and 3rds! I love it because its so easy, and a complete meal in one!!

1 pound spaghetti

4 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tsp salt

2 tablespoons chopped frozen spinach

**You can use a few handfuls of fresh spinach, or sometimes I use broccoli instead

1/4 cup butter

1 cup grated parm cheese

1/2 - 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Beat eggs, milk, garlic, and salt as for scrambled eggs. Add spinach to mixture. (if using broccoli, don't add to egg mixture - roast broc in oven for 10 minutes then add at the end)

Cook and drain spaghetti. With spaghetti in drainer, melt butter in pot. Add spaghetti and egg mixture to the pan. Stir constantly until eggs are nearly cooked. Add parmesan cheese and bacon and finish cooking.

We sometimes add fresh tomatoes to the top.

** Healthy options: Use turkey bacon in place of real bacon, and margarine in place of butter.

The Best Ever Banana Bread!

Preheat oven to 325
1 1/3 C. Oil
4 large eggs
3 C. sugar
6 ripe bananas, mashed
1 C. Sour Cream (you can use fat free)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients in large bowl on low until smooth

4 C. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 C. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Mix in flour and soda on low until flour disappears.  Do no overmix.  Stir in nuts (if skipping the nuts, please add 1/2 cup more flour).

Fill 3 or 4 greased and floured loaf pans 2/3 full.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar to form a delicious crust.  Bake for 40 to 60 minutes.  Bread is baked when top is crowned and light golden brown and tests clean with a toothpick.  Remove and cool for 5 minutes.  Turn loaves out and cool until room temperature. Store bread well wrapped in the refrigerator.