Chicken Poppy Seed Rice Bake

I didn't think poppy seed chicken could be improved on but this is a really good casserole.  It is a nice twist to the classic recipe.  And I added a nice little surprise at the end that really took it up a notch.  This is a quick and easy meal that would be great for one of those nights when you don't have much time to cook.  I would suggest cooking some chicken ahead of time and keeping it in the freezer and then this meal would not take long at all.

You could add some green beans if you like.

 Instant rice makes this a very quick meal.

 Start with 2 cups water

 And two cups instant rice.  You can use brown rice too if you like.  Cook the rice per the box's instructions.

 While the rice is cooking mix up the rest of the ingredients.  8 oz sour cream

 One can cream of soup.  I used mushroom the recipe calls for chicken.  Not a big fan of cream of chicken so I usually replace it with mushroom.

 1 1/2 Tablespoons poppy seeds

 1/2 cup chicken broth or water.  I didn't have broth open so I used water.

 Add about 12 oz of chopped chicken.  I just cut up two chicken breast.

 1 cup cheese.  I like cheese so I know it was more than a cup.

 Then add the cooked rice.

 Mix well and add some salt and pepper.

 Spread out in a 9x13 baking dish.

 I found these caramelized onions the other day and thought they would be good on top.

 So I sprinkled some on top.  Place in a preheated 350 oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

 Doesn't that look good?

Then serve.  I'm sure your family will enjoy it as much as mine did.  And as an added plus it is really good leftover too.

Chicken Poppy Seed Rice Bake Recipe

2 cups water
2 cups instant rice
12 oz cooked chicken
1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese
1 1/2 Tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup broth or water

Preheat oven to 350 and bake 20-25 minutes.

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cookies

I love finding ways to use the new M&M flavors that come out for the different seasons.  This recipe is no different.  Who doesn't like a strawberry shortcake?  What's even better is when it is in a cookie.  Next time you see a bag of special flavors of M&M's pick up a bag and let inspiration flow.

These are nice flavorful cookies.

This recipe had a few special items that you might not have in your pantry.

Start with 2 sticks of softened butter

Whip that up until smooth.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 small box of French vanilla instant pudding mix

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1 bag strawberry shortcake M&M's

Mix well.

Scoop up onto a parchment lined baking sheet.  Place in a preheated 375 oven and bake 10-12 minutes.

These cookies are nice and soft and do not get hard after they cool.

Then enjoy.

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cookies Recipe

1 cup softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2  1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 box French vanilla instant pudding
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 pkg strawberry shortcake M&M's
Preheat oven 375.  Bake 10-12

Amish Zucchini and Carrot Casserole

I have found several recipes this year that combine zucchini and carrots.  Not a bad combination at all.  This recipe is easy to put together.  You can't go wrong with Amish recipes either.

 Bisquick is the binder that keeps this all together.

 1 cup Bisquick

 1 cup shredded cheese

 3 cup shredded zucchini

 1 cup shredded carrots

 3 eggs

 1/2 cup oil

 Mix all together.

 Place in a sprayed square baking dish.  Place in preheated 350 oven for 35-45 minutes.

 I forgot to take a picture when it came out of the oven.  I had a hungry boy waiting for dinner.  So I took a picture of the leftovers.

Amish Zucchini and Carrot Casserole Recipe
1 cup Bisquick
3 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded cheese
3 cups shredded zucchini
1 chopped onion (I forgot to chop the onion)
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 Bake for 35-45 minutes.

Veggie Plate

Well we are in the height of summer which means fresh veggies. So today I thought I would share some different vegetables so you could make your own veggie plate.

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Lee's Cucumber Salad

World's Best Corn on the Cob

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Cheesy Potatoes

Roasted Cabbage and Onions

Southern Style Cut Off Corn

Miss Kay's Squash Casserole

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps