Everyday Mom's Meals: Your Holiday Guests
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Monday, November 14, 2016

Your Holiday Guests


So we are only 10 days away from Thanksgiving. Are you ready? Or was this a rude awakening and now you're having a panic attack? It's going to be okay. Take some deep breaths. I'm here to help.

Did your stomach just jump into your throat because you are going to have a house full of people come next week? I understand completely. Did you just remember you need to feed all of them for multiple days, and not just the big one? Sure, you will have leftovers after Thursday, but what the heck are you gonna do until then? Again, don't worry, calm down, EMM is here.

This is actually a tried and true recipe from my Grammy. It's something I've been making for years, and is perfect for any busy weeknight. So why not plan it for those couple days when you're still working before the holiday, but have to come home to a house full of people asking "What's for dinner?" Let's face it, if you are going about your normal day of work, school and life, plus prepping for Thanksgiving, coming up with dinners every night that week isn't going to be too easy. But this is!

Now, heads up! When you read the recipe, and see it calls for margarine, many of you are going to be inclined to say "Oh I can use butter instead." Don't do it. Seriously. I did the same thing once and regretted it. I don't know why, but the flavor completely changes and I don't like it. It's about the only recipe I have that flat our calls for margarine. Most of the time I am an all butter all the time girl, but not with this.

This feeds the 3 of us quite comfortably with a good sized portion each. So, if you're cooking for a big crowd, I suggest making two pans of it. It's going to go quick, I promise.

But if you aren't expecting house guests, don't feel like this isn't for you. It makes a terrific comfort meal any time, and once you make it once, it will become a part of your regular meal rotation, just like it did in my house!

Don't worry if you aren't quite ready for Thanksgiving. You still have time...just not too much, so start planning those meals now and cross one thing off that to-do list!

Chicken on Rice Casserole
2 lbs. boneless chicken tenders (about 8-9)
1 1/2 c. instant rice, uncoooked
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 stick margarine, melted
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 c. lemon juice 
Garlic Powder to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
Dried Parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine rice, soups, salt and pepper. Stir well. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly. Lay chicken on top of rice. In a small bowl whisk together melted margarine, sugar and lemon juice. Pour over top of chicken. Season chicken liberally with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake for 1 1/2-2 hours until rice is tender. Stir well before serving. Garnish with parsley.




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