🍽️ Sure, I’d be delighted to provide you with information about Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread, its history, components, preparation steps, and the estimated time needed to make it. 🥖🥚🍖
Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread:
What is it?
Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread is a delightful and savory baked dish, perfect for brunch. It’s essentially a savory bread pudding or casserole featuring a combination of fresh asparagus, ham, bread cubes, and a rich, cheesy custard. This dish offers a blend of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and satisfying.
History:
The precise origin of Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread isn’t well-documented, but it falls within the tradition of brunch dishes that became popular in the United States in the 20th century. It likely evolved as a creative way to use leftover ingredients in a satisfying and delicious manner.
Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Ham (usually diced or cubed)
- Bread cubes (stale bread works well)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Grated cheese (typically cheddar or Swiss)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs)
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Preparation Steps:
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they become tender-crisp. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Bread and Ham: Cube or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces. Dice the ham into similar-sized pieces.
-
Layering: In a greased baking dish, create alternating layers of bread cubes, ham, and blanched asparagus.
-
Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, grated cheese, and seasonings (salt and pepper). You can also add herbs like thyme or chives for extra flavor.
-
Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, ham, and asparagus. Ensure the custard mixture is distributed evenly.
-
Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
-
Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious both warm and at room temperature.
Time Needed:
The preparation time for Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread depends on your cooking experience, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble the dish. Baking takes an additional 30-35 minutes. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 45-55 minutes from start to finish.
Enjoy your Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread with a 🥗 side salad for a complete brunch experience! 🍽️👌🍞🍳🧀🥓🍽️
🍽️ Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
-
Calories: The number of calories in a serving of Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread can vary depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used. On average, a serving may contain around 250-350 calories.
-
Protein: A serving typically provides about 12-15 grams of protein, thanks to the ham, eggs, and cheese.
-
Carbohydrates: You can expect 20-25 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the bread and a small amount from the asparagus.
-
Fiber: There will be a small amount of dietary fiber, roughly 2-3 grams, due to the asparagus and bread.
-
Fats: A serving generally contains 10-15 grams of fat, mainly from the eggs, cheese, and ham.
-
Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the ingredients, but it’s usually in the range of 500-700 milligrams per serving due to the ham and cheese.
-
Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is a good source of vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals like folate and potassium.
Health Information:
-
Protein: The protein in this dish can help with muscle maintenance and repair.
-
Asparagus: Asparagus is low in calories and provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and dietary fiber. It’s also a natural diuretic and can help support healthy digestion.
-
Ham: Ham is a source of protein, but it can also be high in sodium and saturated fat. Opt for lean ham cuts or use it in moderation if you’re concerned about salt and fat intake.
-
Cheese: Cheese adds flavor and richness but can also be high in saturated fat and sodium. Use it in moderation.
-
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and various essential nutrients. They provide vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and choline.
-
Bread: The type of bread you use can significantly impact the nutritional content. Whole-grain bread can provide more fiber and nutrients compared to white bread.
It’s essential to balance your diet with a variety of foods to ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients. While Asparagus and Ham Brunch Bread can be a tasty dish, be mindful of portion sizes and ingredients to align with your dietary and health goals.
