A Mormon's Favorite Casserole Recipe, Easy Chicken and Rice

A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment of bringing something to represent their religion.

The first boy got in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is the Star of David."

The second boy got in front of the class and said, "My name is Thomas and I am Catholic and this is the Crucifix."

The third boy got in front of the class and said, " My name is Johnny and I am Mormon and this is a casserole."

 INSERT LAUGHTER

Just hot on the heels of the ever popular recipe for "Funeral Potatoes", direct from the home of a bonafide "Mormon" the fantastic "Chicken and Rice Casserole" makes it's HUBPAGES debut.

Although it is a common misconception that at baptism, the typical Mormon is given mystical powers of cooking, some of the "sister saints" of the church can truly make a mean meal. For me, because phenomenal cooking just doesn't happen to be a "gift" I have sought after, that blessing has been slow to come. Now mind you, I can feed the multitudes, and oft times do, but when it comes to "gourmet cooking" I guess Paula Deen has no need to fear. I prefer cooking the "easy way."

The famous "Chicken and Rice Casserole" has been in my family heritage for many years. Yes, in fact, it was rumored it came across the plains with one of my pioneer ancestors. (I still am wondering where they found the boneless, skinless, chicken breasts to make it!)

The Recipe

6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

2 Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Can of Cream of Celery Soup

1 Can of Cheddar Cheese Soup

1/2 Can Milk

1/2 Can Cooking Sherry

1/4 Cup Melted Margarine

2 Cups Long Grain Rice

1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, open the 4 cans of soup and pour them in. Add the milk, sherry, margarine, and stir.

Pour the rice in the bottom of a 9x13 pan and pour 2/3's of the mixture over the rice. Mix the rice together with the soup mixture and add the chicken on top of the rice. Pour the remaining soup mixture on top of the chicken, and top with the parmesan cheese.

Bake at 275 degrees for 2 1/2 hours.

This casserole is so easy to prepare, that for a large crowd it is precisely the answer. Believe me, I have served it up many a time and have recieved accolades from those who think I have slaved all day in the kitchen. It looks really pleasant on the plate with a healthy serving of heated up frozen peas. I say, "why fuss when you can keep it simple?"

So head on over to the kitchen and fix up a casserole. Your family will thank you for the break from "fast food." Don't forget to eat it together now, you hear! By the way, tell the joke at the table and see if it gets a laugh or two.