Balm for the Budget: “Cents”-able Strata Frittata

1 tablespoon margarine
½ cup day-old French bread, cubed
½ cup chopped fresh broccoli
¼ cup chopped red pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion
4 eggs
¼ cup water
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

In 8-inch skillet with ovenproof handle* melt margarine. Stir in bread cubes, broccoli, red pepper and onion; sauté until bread cubes are lightly toasted. Beat together eggs, water, salt and pepper until blended. Pour into pan. Cook over low to medium heat until eggs are almost set, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil about 6 inches from heat until eggs are completely set and cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

One of the most valuable attributes of egg dishes is that so many of them lend themselves to using up leftovers and low cost ingredients. With the increased costs of living, using up of what we have on hand takes on a heightened importance in our quest to reign in food expenses. Egg dishes such as omelets, quiches, frittatas and strata’s provide economical yet versatile options for budget conscious menu planning. The “Cents-able” Strata Frittata is a satisfying dish which uses reasonably priced ingredients to create a different main dish for dinner, lunch or brunch.

*To ovenproof handle, wrap completely with aluminum foil.