As soon as I heard Nature’s Pride was holding a recipe contest for Foodbuzz Featured Publishers – I IMMEDIATELY started thinking of ideas.

Mike even helped me brain storm, because he knows how badly I want to go.

In an effort to think outside the box and cook outside my comfort zone – we came up with…

…Healthy Big Mac-inspired Strata!

The ingredients:

• tomatoes & pickles
• 1 container extra lean turkey
• 1/4 of a vidalia onion (I would have used more if I had it)
• 8 eggs
• 1-2 cups of sharp cheddar

And of course – Nature’s Pride:

First step – I got the turkey & onions cooking in a pan on the stove, over low heat.

For seasoning on the turkey/onions – I took a play from GDW Dad’s book – he always uses Garlic Power & Onion Powder.  Simple and delicious

While the turkey/onion mixture was cooking – I got to choppin’ the pickles and the tomatoes:

As well as the bread. Feel free to make the pieces as large or as small as you’d like.  My Mom uses “4-6 slices” of bread when she makes strata, depending on the pan and the mix-ins.  I used 5 slices of Nature’s Pride.

While the turkey is finishing browning – crack 8 eggs into a bowl, and then add in 2 cups of milk (I used almond milk). Whisk together.

Yeah I used a knife to whisk, what of it?

I also added a few dashes of Ground Mustard to the egg/milk mixture.

Add the cooked turkey & onions, and chopped tomatoes & pickles on top of the bottom bread layer.

Then top with the sharp cheddar (as much or as little as you’d like).

Then pour the egg/milk mixture evenly over all the layers.

Last minute – I added a sprinkle of fresh ground rainbow peppercorns!

Throw it in the oven on 350 for 45 minutes – and you’ll have this:

Serve:

Top with your own “special sauce”!  We had Bolthouse Thousand Island – which was amazing! But I bet a ketchup/mustard combo would have been equally delicious!

Verdict?  Delicious!

Mike and I both had seconds, and the dogs watched us intently the whole time!  We both agreed it could have used a little more salt and/or garlic salt, but that was an easy enough fix!

I can’t wait to make this for our next family get-together, I know my brothers and Dad will love it just as much as Mike (and I know all of the men in my life are tired of my constant vegetarian dishes!)