Cajun Recipes by Beryl Stokes:

"What do you want me to make?" Broccoli Rice Casserole is always the answer. Of course we add a few extra items from our Cajun Cooking repertoire. Whether Cajun Cooking or Creole Cooking - cooking at the Stokes' house means fun, good for you food and family is coming.

Broccoli Rice has been a long time favorite of our youngest daughter, Alexandra who is now 21 and has a baby girl named Addison. Alexandra always wants me to cook Broccoli Rice and Pork Chops.

This recipe developed from eating at a local cafeteria called Piccadilly. Piccadilly has this wonderfully long line of salads, meats, vegetables, bread and lastly are the desserts. We always loved getting the Broccoli Rice; however, I was determined to make it better with more broccoli and of course "lots o cheese".

So, in the Beryl Stokes test kitchen, I ventured to make Broccoli Rice which resembles the holiday standard Green Bean casserole. I cooked a cup of rice, steamed fresh broccoli crowns, added mushroom soup and lots of extra sharp cheddar cheese. And viola - my Broccoli Rice Casserole was a hit.

Now I tell you - if you can get a 6 year old to eat broccoli, you must be fixing it just right. Let me show you how.

In this video, my god-child helped me do most of the cooking. A great bonding experience is letting your child help you cook. You have fun and your child learns skills they will use for life.

Be sure to watch the video until the end - you will be delightfully entertained.

RICE

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon butter

BROCCOLI

• You choice of 1 fresh bunch of broccoli crowns or a 1lb bag of frozen broccoli crowns.
• 1 cup water

OTHER STUFF

• 6 cups Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (finely shredded)
• 1 can mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup milk

• Salt & Pepper to taste

Essentials

• 2 medium saucepans
• Deep casserole dish
• Big mixing bowl
• Cheese grater

Let's get Cooking

Preheat your oven to 350°. Start the rice by placing 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice. Cover and lower the heat to #3. Let cook for 20 minutes.

In another saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Steam the broccoli crowns for 5-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Once the rice and broccoli are done, place in a large mixing bowl. Chop of the broccoli crowns into bit size pieces. Mix together with 1 can mushroom soup, 1/4 cup milk, and 4 cups cheddar cheese.

Pour into a greased casserole dish (spray casserole dish with cooking spray). Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with additional 2 cups of cheddar cheese.

This recipe is so easy and taste so good. Enjoy this wonderful comfort food!