One of my favorite things to do when I have friends over for brunch is to make strata (or stratta). What is a strata, you may ask: named after Chef Alessandro Stratta, it is a savory bread pudding of sorts, and it is yet another imaginative way to use yesterday’s baguette and any leftover pieces of cheese, veggies, and meats from your fridge. I love making stratas because they can feed many guests and you have time to mingle with friends and family at holiday brunches or lunches instead of being stuck in the kitchen, make a nice salad on the side et voila everyone is happy! You can check out some detailed
strata recipes from the staff at Martha Stewart. What to drink, you may ask? Well it is brunch, so Champagne of course. I love a bottle of Champagne Taittinger Brut Millésimé; this elegant classic Champagne has excellent minerality and acidity and is a natural pairing for the toasty, cheese, custardy dish and provides a much-needed palate cleanse between bites – Sante!