Pumpkin Strata

Here's the recipe for the strata that I brought to the party today. I usually halve the recipe for my 8x8 pan. Make the full batch if you want to make a 9 x 13 - sized entree.

• 1 T vegetable oil
• 1 1b sausage (I really like to use a spicy Italian sausage, but veggie or mild sausage works too)
• 1 c chopped onion
• 1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 c chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 lb Italian bread cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 c shredded mozzarella
• 24 oz evaporated milk
• 15 oz canned pumpkin OR 1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp marjoram

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13x9" baking pan
2. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage, onion, bell peppers and garlic. Cook 7-10 minutes until sausage is no longer pink. Drain.
3. Combine bread cubes, cheese and sausage mixture in a large bowl. Beat evaporated milk, pumpkin, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and marjoram in medium bowl. Pour over bread mixture, pressing bread into milk mixture. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until set. Serve warm.