• Cooking Spray
• 12 to 16 slices (1/2-inch thick) French or Italian bread, divided
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
• 1 cup (4 oz.) chopped cooked lean ham, divided
• 8 oz. fresh asparagus spears, cut into1-inch pieces, about 2 cups, divided
• 6 Country Hen eggs
• 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Evenly coat 8-inch square baking dish with spray. Layer half of the bread on bottom of dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese, 1/2 cup of the ham, and I cup of the asparagus. Cover with remaining bread, laying slices flat or in a shingled pattern. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, ham, and asparagus. In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Pour evenly over layers. Cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave on full power 5 minutes. Rotate dish 1/4 turn. Microwave on 50% power, rotating dish 1/4 turn each 3 to 5 minutes until thermometer inserted near center reads 160°F and/or knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Note: All microwave cooking times are based on full power output of 600 to 700 watts. For a lower wattage oven, allow more time.
Conventional oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare strata as above. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake until thermometer inserted near center reads 160°F and/or knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes.