I'm not sure what makes this gourmet…. Almonds?....Celery?.....
Canned Cream of Chicken Soup?..... Maybe it’s the obligatory layer of cheese on
top?
Well, whatever the mystery gourmet element might be, this
flash from my past is a total home run.
I treasure this old recipe card because it reminds me of
when I was first married and learning how to cook (with canned soup and mayonnaise).
This casserole was something I turned to many, many times when having company
or attending a potluck. It comes to me from a friend of my mom’s, Mrs. Knaus. Can
you imagine how fun it must have been back in the day when couples got together
to have drinks and dinner together. Make a big casserole. Maybe play cards for the evening. That's the kind of friends they were and still are to this day. In fact, as I write this, a bunch of their group is in Hilton Head enjoying time together and eating great food too, I am sure of it. (Mrs. Knaus, are you out there….anyone from the West Racquet Club? – Hello!)
Here’s what
you need: I doubled the recipe – one to eat, one to freeze
2 C cooked
chicken breast, diced
1 can cream
of chicken soup
1 C diced
celery – sautéed
1 C rice
½ C slivered
almonds – toasted
½ C mayonnaise
1 T lemon
juice – (Ah Ha! Gourmet element revealed! )
(maybe some
chicken stock to loosen the mass a bit)
Cheddar for
the top
Here’s what
you do:
There is
really only one way in my opinion to make great chicken breasts. Start with
bone in and skin on. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lots of salt and
pepper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes depending on the size of the breast. They are
done when a knife inserts easily and all juices run clear. Cool for about 20
minute, remove and discard skin, dice meat and use bones for broth. (Thank you Ina Garten!)
Cook the
rice. Toast the almonds. Saute the celery in a bit of oil and maybe some water
till crisp tender.
Mix it all
together. I did loosen the whole affair a bit today with some chicken stock. Cover
with shredded cheddar. Bake until bubbly and glorious.
Set the table, light some candles, turn off the TV and eat together. You can see it's not fancy at our house: casserole, roasted carrots and garlic toast. Just do it. |
Tracy, Your casserole sounds delicious. I am adding it to my "must make" list. I love new ideas for dinner - thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds yummy - I need to try this one.
ReplyDeleteWe are having this tonight - such an easy dish and delivers so much flavor and comfort! thanks for reminding me about this "keeper"!
ReplyDelete@Betsy - doesn't this remind you of when we were young? I still love this recipe!
ReplyDeleteSometimes, there's nothing better than a comforting casserole! I'm the same way about King Ranch Chicken Casserole...not fancy, but so GOOD!
ReplyDeleteThere's something to be said for old fashioned goodness :)
ReplyDeleteI love food that evokes warm memories like this one does for you.