Apple Sausage Strata

I created this for Christmas brunch 2003.  It was something I could just wake up and pop in the oven, and it was a big hit.  I've since made it for retreats and family gatherings with rave reviews.  (It's easy too.)

Apple Sausage Strata
1 loaf french bread, sliced 1-1/2" thick
10 large eggs
3 c half and half (if you use non-fat, spray the pan with cooking oil)
2 t dijon mustard
1 t salt

Lay bread slices to cover bottom of dish, cut to fill smaller spaces.

Whisk together eggs with half and half and seasonings, pour over bread.  Let sit covered overnight, or at least 2 hours.

Topping:
2 c grated cheddar cheese
3 apples, diced with peels on (braeburn are my favorite)
2 c cubed smoked turkey sausage (or turkey kielbasa)

Top bread with some cheese, then apples and sausage and more cheese.  Bake at 350F for 30 minutes covered with foil, then remove foil and bake until bread springs back in middle (20-30 minutes more). Cool 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Serves 8-10 hungry people.