Brunch Casserole

Eat this Casserole for brunch, or serve it with or as a main meal. Endless possibilities!

Ingredients
4 cups cubed day-old French bread
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
10 eggs, lightly beaten
1 quart milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
8 to 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Directions
Generously butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Arrange the bread in the baking dish and sprinkle with cheese. In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, cayenne and onion powder. Pour this mixture over the bread. Sprinkle with the bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes. Cover and chill up to 24 hours.

Smothered Okra

This is excellent to serve as a side dish or to use as the base for okra gumbo. Makes 10 servings.

Ingredients
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds okra, washed under cool water, stemmed and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
3 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
2 (1-pound) cans whole tomatoes, crushed with their liquid
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
3/4 cup water or chicken broth