A Tradition, Mormon Funeral Potatoes

"Also called "Ward Party Potatoes," "Christmas Potatoes," "Potato Casserole" I'm sure many other names - but the most famous is Funeral Potatoes because it is often served at funerals and Church parties in Utah. "

Well, here goes.... About a month ago my husband was meeting his cousin, whom he hadn't seen for a while, for lunch during work. They met at a nearby restaurant and were getting caught up on all the exciting things that had happened to them since they had last seen each other, and talking about all their life discoveries since they had last met. Cousin had been doing a lot of traveling because he raced VW Bug's, but I guess that would be another story, and had experienced the adventure of dining out across America. He was so anxious to tell Husband about this wonderful new discovery he had made at a restaurant called Cracker Barrel.

Now mind you, we live in Southern California and Cracker Barrel's are not very easy to find, if you can find one at all. So, Cousin decided to "Google" the restaurant and had them all "mapped out" all over the United States, so that he wouldn't miss one if he was in that area. He proceeded to tell Husband about this wonderful, mouthwatering, delicious, potato casserole that was the reason for his attraction to the restaurant. As Cousin, who is a member of the Mormon faith but has not attended actual church for some time, started to describe this tasty dish. Husband nearly lost it! Cousin was describing the Mormon phenomenon, Funeral Potatoes.

Husband, after gaining his composure, proceeded to tell Cousin, that it was a traditional dish that his very own mother prepared all the time. Cousin could only respond, "Well, no wonder I liked it so much!"

I guess you can tell the "activity" level of a Mormon by their knowledge of their potatoes.

Now, for the actual recipe, there are about as many variations to the recipe as there are people who prepare it. I, for one, am a "simple" cook. I like to keep everything simple...so here is the simple way to make them:

1 Large bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (not already browned, raw)

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

1 pint of sour cream

1 small bunch of green onions (just the green part cut really fine, I just use scissors!)

GOBS of grated cheese, I use cheddar/jack combination but any is fine. (what is a GOB? Oh about 2 large handfuls, but more is good too.)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, plop in a 9x13 pan and cook at 350 degrees for about ½ hour.

Optional: Crushed Corn Flakes on top, or Crushed Potato Chips, or Bread Crumbs W/melted butter etc, be creative.

One day while my "Mormon Son" was working, one of his co-workers discovered the fact that he was a Mormon, and then realized he must have a "Mormon Mom." In sheer delight she exclaimed, "Does your mom make those wonderful potatoes?" I guess she must have attended a Mormon Funeral. Anyway, for Christmas, I was instructed that I had to make Funeral Potatoes as a gift for this person. I sent him off with a batch in a disposable pan, with baking instructions. It was a hit!

When people refer to us as a "peculiar people", I guess it is all about the potatoes.