ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: A BRUNCH CASSEROLE REAL MEN CAN EAT WITH GUSTO

Making breakfast or brunch a big deal has never been easier. My cooking rule is that "simple ingredients make good food," and nothing says that better than the recipe "Real" Men Brunch Casserole. Patty Shell, proprietor of Patricia's Tea Room in Dexter, Mo., shared this yummy recipe with me.

Let me introduce you to Patty and her casserole.

Patty Shell of Patricia's Tea Room began her food service career 17 years ago in Essex, Mo., with two friends, Pat and Karen, in Unique Catering. Preparing large quantities of brunch foods for those special occasions meant preparing food ahead of time for last-minute baking. The following brunch casserole is great for large groups. Just double or triple, keep on adding just get a big enough baking pan. Make sure you allow extra cooking time for the larger batches and allow some sitting time from the oven to your table.

In Southeast Missouri, along the Mississippi, it is sometimes hard to please men with a specialty like this, but this casserole is one that "real" men will eat with gusto.

"Real" Men Brunch Casserole

6 eggs, beaten

1 3/4 cups milk

7 slices white bread, cubed and crustless

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 pound hot sausage, cooked and drained

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (to garnish casserole after baking)

1. Combine first seven ingredients in order given and pour into 2-quart lightly greased casserole dish. Refrigerate overnight.

2. Remove casserole from refrigerator the next morning. (If casserole dish cannot go directly from cold refrigerator to hot oven, let stand to room temperature.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Top with 1 cup grated cheddar cheese. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 servings.

Visit Angie at her Web site, www.cookingwithangie.com. Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.