Chicken Strata

2 chicken breasts, cubed

6 slices of bread, or equivalent, cubed

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 can (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 fresh tomato, cored and diced, or 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-by-2-inch buttered baking dish; line with bread. Top with chopped chicken.

In a small frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and saute until browned, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add to baking dish. Top with cheese and tomatoes.

In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, salt and pepper; mix until well blended and pour over chicken. Bake 1 hour, until a toothpick comes out clean. Sprinkle on bread crumbs; dot with slivers of remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, until crumbs are lightly browned.

Serves eight.

"70 Meals, One Trip to the Store" by Kelly Donlea