As many of you know I heart brunch. It is by far my favorite meal. I love the tradition, I love mimosas, I love the leisurely conversation, I love feeling luxurious and like I should be doing something else, I love spending time with my friends and family over a good meal, I love breakfast food, and I love the amazing holiday memories that I have experienced over the years with brunch. Let's be real brunch can actually make any day a holiday in my opinion.



So, when I first saw this recipe for Mushroom Spinach Strata I have to admit I thought of Easter and making brunch for my family and friends, which is our usual tradition. And when we first got the "shelter in place" order we received the date of April 9th, giving us 3 days to get ramped up for our Easter celebrations. And I did a little happy dance inside.

However, as we all know our "shelter in place" orders have been extended and please know I completely support doing whatever we have to do to get through this difficult time as a country. My opinion from the beginning has been just stay home and do whatever it takes to get through this as fast as we can.

That being said, I saw a quote on social media today that summarized exactly how many of us are feeling in light of our uncertain circumstances. It said,"It's ok to grieve the loss of what you thought these next few months would bring. You don't have to bear it all with a smile on your face." And I love that! I have been trying so hard to be positive and keep my chin up and be in the present moment and find ways to make the best of it. Yet, it was amazing to see this and to give myself permission to grieve.

I know we are all grieving. Some of us are grieving for friends and family we have lost. Some of us are grieving for cancelled plans. Some of us are grieving for life plans/changes that have been placed on hold/delayed. Some of us are grieving the vision of where we hoped to be or what we hoped to be doing or who we hoped to be with. That being said, no judgment, it is ok to grieve, it is ok to feel disappointed, sad, angry, frustrated, confused, hurt, and exhausted.

And yes I could go into a positive diatribe about how we can come out of this stronger, better, more compassionate, more loving, etc, but right now just give yourself a moment to grieve....regardless of how big or small the loss you are mourning. Tomorrow we can work on being positive, rising from the ashes, picking ourselves up, and rebuilding. Today I mourn Easter brunch with my family and so I share the recipe I would have loved to make for them....but with the knowledge that I will be able to cook for them soon.

Ingredients:

4 oz. baguette (about a 9-inch piece), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

4 oz. cremini mushrooms, trimmed and coarsely chopped (1-1/2 cups)

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh thyme

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 oz. baby spinach (4 lightly packed cups)

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

3 oz. smoked Gouda, coarsely grated (about 3/4 cup)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.

Spread the bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet and toast in the heating oven until dry and pale golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

 Add the cheese and bread, toss until combined, and transfer to the skillet. Stir until all of the ingredients are distributed evenly and then press down on the mixture to flatten it a bit.

Bake, covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until set in the center, about 5 minutes more. Let cool briefly, slice, and serve.

Much love and cheers!!