Sausage and egg casserole with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella

SAUSAGE AND EGG CASSEROLE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA Makes 8 servings

A satisfying, easy dish that's also versatile: Accompany with sliced melon and some assorted pastries for brunch, or with a green salad and warm focaccia for dinner.

1 pound Italian sweet sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

5 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 cup half and half
1 cup whipping cream
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Sauté sausage in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until brown and cooked through, breaking up with back of fork into small pieces, about 10 minutes. Add shallots and garlic and sauté 3 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons parsley; stir 1 minute. Spread sausage mixture in prepared dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Whisk eggs, egg yolks, half and half, whipping cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese, and salt in large bowl to blend well. Pour egg mixture over sausage mixture in dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons parsley over. Bake until top of casserole is golden brown and knife inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Focaccia bread

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)
4 cups white flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons instant skim milk powder
2 teaspoons yeast

Put ingredients in machine in order above. Set to "dough" setting. When it is ready, cut the dough in half, spread into circles on baking sheets or pizza pans. Brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle on: garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, basil, rosemary, feta or parmesan cheese (or both!) and a little coarse salt.

Bake in an oven preheated to 450 F. for 10 - 12 minutes. Enjoy with soup, cheese or Italian style with balsamic vinegar and olive oil (equal parts) swirled in a saucer.