Blueberry Brunch Strata

12 – 14 slices of bread (I use whole wheat)

2 cups blueberry, divided (any berry works…)

3 cups milk

3 eggs

2 tbs. sugar

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tbsp. DPF blueberry vodka (optional – and I usually match the vodka to the fruit)

1 – 2 tbs. butter

Maple Syrup to taste

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.  Place a layer of bread, being sure to fill in gaps with smaller pieces of bread.

2. Top with 1 cup blueberries (or blackberries or….), and repeat with a layer of bread and blueberries.

3. Combine milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla and liquor with a whisk.  Pour over bread and blueberries; dot with butter.  Cover and refrigerate.

4. Pre-heat oven to 425° F.  Bring strata to room temperature, then bake for 30 minutes or until puffy.

5. Cut and serve with maple syrup.  (If I’m serving this on a buffet, I usually pour the maple syrup onto the entire casserole just before serving).