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1
Whisk together milk, eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, Tabasco and nutmeg.
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2
Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
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3
Heat oil in a medium skillet.
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4
Add leeks, and toss to coat with oil.
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5
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes or until leeks are soft.
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6
Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt.
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7
Cool.
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8
Mix together ricotta, Parmesan, pepper and herbs.
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9
Stir in the cooled leeks.
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10
Grease a roasting pan 9 by 12 by 2 1/2 inches with 1 teaspoon butter.
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11
Lay 6 slices of bread in the bottom of the pan.
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12
Top with half of the ricotta-leek mixture.
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13
Repeat with a second layer.
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14
Place the last layer of bread in the pan, and spread the top with the softened butter.
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15
Pour the custard over the bread, gently pressing top slices into the mixture.
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16
Place on a cookie sheet, wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
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17
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
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18
Remove plastic, and sprinkle the top with the cheese.
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19
Place in a larger pan, and put on the middle rack of oven.
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20
Fill the larger pan with boiling water to come up about halfway on the smaller pan.
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21
Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until puffy and brown.
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22
Allow to cool slightly before serving.