Bacon Pesto Strata

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare ramekins by buttering and then dusting with the bread crumbs.
2. 2
   For pesto, saute bacon; remove.
3. 3
   Then wilt spinach in 1 T bacon fat.
4. 4
   Process bacon, spinach, parsley and yogurt until paste forms.
5. 5
   Beat together eggs, yogurt, milk, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until blended.
6. 6
   The mixture will be about as thich as heavy cream.
7. 7
   Set aside.
8. 8
   Before drying bread, be sure to cut it to fit ramekins (to dry, cut with cookie cutter, making sure it fits inside the ramekins, line a baking sheet with a rack and toast the breat at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until dry).
9. 9
   Small baguettes work well too.
10. 10
    Spread 1 T pesto on one side of each slice of dry bread.
11. 11
    Place one slice bread in ramekin, pesto side up, and sprinkle with 1 T cheese.
12. 12
    Add 1/4 cup egg mixture to cover bread.
13. 13
    Layer again with bread, cheese, and egg.
14. 14
    For the third layer, place bread pesto side down and top with 1/4 cup egg.
15. 15
    Place ramekins on baking sheet; weight down bread and let soak for 30 minutes.
16. 16
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
17. 17
    Remove weights and bake 30-40 minutes, until brown and puffed.
18. 18
    Cool 5 minutes.
19. 19
    Remove from ramekins.