Strawberry Strata Recipes

Steps:

• For the frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the mascarpone and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and smooth. Using a spatula, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small star piping tip.
• For the Santas: Using a paring knife, cut off the leaf-end of each strawberry to make a flat surface. Cut a 1/2- to 3/4-inch piece from the pointed end of each strawberry and reserve as the hats.
• Place the strawberries, wide-side down, on a work surface. Pipe a 3/4-inch-high swirl of frosting on each strawberry. Place the hats on top and pipe a small ball of frosting on top of the hats. Press two chocolate chips, pointed-sides inward, into the swirl of frosting to make eyes.

Steps:

• Grease an 8x11'', or 9x13'' baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, arranging them to cover the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Slowly, and evenly, pour the egg-milk mixture over the bread in the baking dish. Mix ricotta, strawberry preserves, and orange juice in a separate bowl mixing until well blended. Spoon the ricotta and jam evenly over the top. For best results, cover the strata tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.*.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If you have refrigerated the strata, remove it from the fridge and let the strata sit on the counter while the oven preheats to remove the chill. Uncover the strata, brush with cream and sprinkle the almonds on top.
• Bake, UNCOVERED, for 55 minutes - 1 hour, or until the strata is puffed, browned and the center is set (it shouldn't jiggle when shaken)*. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh mint, strawberries and powdered sugar if using. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!