"The Wife Saver"

One of the nicest things Jerry has done for me for several years now is to make "The Wife Saver" for Christmas morning and Thanksgiving morning.  It's a breakfast casserole with a Mexican flair....it's easy for him to make it the day before and then he pops it in the oven on holiday morning and we have a fantastic breakfast.  With our daughter and new son-in-law here for their first Christmas, it was only natural that Jerry teach Jeremy how to make it!  They worked beautifully together!  The original recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbook series "The Best of Bridge".  My Canadian relatives gave me "The Best of The Best and more"  which has several great breakfast recipes in it.....Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

    "The Wife Saver"

3 (4oz) cans of chopped green chilies

12 corn tortillas cut into 1" strips

1 small package of Jimmy Dean brand sausage....we use the maple, sage or spicy flavor all are good.  

2 1/2 cups grated mexican blend cheese

1/2 c. milk

12 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

2 large tomatoes, sliced

salsa

sour cream 

The night before, grease a 9x13 pan.  Layer 1/2 the tortilla strips so the bottom of the pan is completely covered, next layer 1/2 the chilies, 1/2 the cheese,1/2 the sausage.  Repeat layers reserving some of the cheese for the top.

In a medium bowl, beat milk, eggs, salt, garlic, onion, cumin and pepper, Pour over the casserole ingredients.  Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight.  Next day, remove plastic add tomatoes to the top, cover with remaining cheese and bake 350 for about an hour or until firm in the center.

Let set 5 minutes before serving.  Serve with sour cream and salsa....for an added garnish place a piece of cilantro on each serving.  Serves 10.

Merry Christmas!