One of the most versatile dishes you can make is a frittata. Ham, sausage, spinach, steamed broccoli, a mixture of cheeses and/or herbs can be added to tailor your flavor preference. When I entertain for brunch this is my go to dish. I like to serve it with a mixed green salad and either sausage or bacon. It can be made the day before or the morning of your gathering. Serve warm or at room temperature. Anything that can be made ahead will ensure that you will be enjoying time with your guests and not slaving over the stove the whole time.

18 large eggs

8 oz sliced white mushrooms *see note below

6 oz 1/2″ diced Fontina cheese

1 medium sweet onion sliced thin

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 bunch green onions (scallions) thinly sliced

1 tsp dried thyme or 1/2 Tbl fresh thyme minced

2 Tbl butter (unsalted)

1 Tbl plus 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp plus 3/4 tsp Kosher salt

1/4 tsp plus 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. In a 12″ oven safe sauté pan over medium-low heat, add 2 tbs. butter and 1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and sweet onion to the pan. After 10 minutes, the moisture from the mushrooms and onion will be sweated out into the pan. Turn the heat up to medium-high to evaporate the moisture and brown the mushrooms. Add 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper and the thyme. In a medium sized bowl, add and beat your eggs, then add the parsley, green onion, cheese, the remaining 3/4 tsp salt and the remaining 1/2 tsp. black pepper and mix well. Add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil to the pan and add the egg mixture. Stir the mixture to evenly disburse all ingredients. Add the sauté pan to the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the center of the frittata is set. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a platter. Serve hot or at room temperature. Serves 8 people.

*When cleaning mushrooms, never rinse them under water, they will become soggy. It’s best to use a damp cloth or a soft brush to remove any dirt from the mushroom.