Everyday Mom's Meals: My Southern Friends
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Monday, April 7, 2014

My Southern Friends

Have you ever had the feeling you might have been born in the wrong time, the wrong place? For me, I'm pretty sure in my past life, I was friends with Scarlett O'Hara and spent my summers at barbecues at Twelve Oaks and Tara. (If you aren't a Gone With The Wind fan, those are plantations in the south during the Civil War.)

That's right. As much as I love my hometown, and the fact I live 20 minutes from where I grew up, there are parts of me that are totally southern and I have absolutely no idea where they come from. Both of my parents were born and raised in Pennsylvania, before migrating to Indiana before I was born. And it doesn't get much more Yankee than that! But when "ya'll" slips out of my mouth on a regular occasion, and I can eat greens and grits with the best of them, there must be some Southern in me some where. So, thank goodness I have fantastic foodie friends south of the Mason Dixie line that I can live vicariously through!

Today I'm introducing you to my buddy Mandy from South Your Mouth. If you have never read her blog, or followed her Facebook page....go NOW! Seriously. This broad (and I can call her that because she will love it) is one of the funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. And while we have never met in person, she is one of those people that as soon as you talk to her, you feel like you've known her all your life. Not to mention I adore somebody that can make me laugh until I cry.

As soon as she posted this recipe I knew I had to try it. After all, I am kind of a casserole addict. This one is sure to become a classic hit in your house as soon as it did mine. It kind of reminds me of dirty rice, but is oh so much more, making a fantastic supper on a night when you have almost no time!

Simple, delicious recipes is what makes southern food loved by people all over the world; and this dish is no exception. Maybe I did spend some time down south in my past life, who knows. But either way, this Yankee girl is happy to have ties to the south any way she can!

Sausage and Rice Casserole From South Your Mouth
1 lb. mild pork sausage
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup
1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
3 celery hearts, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 c. medium grain white rice, uncooked
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a medium casserole dish. In a large skillet brown sausage until no longer pink. Drain off extra grease. In drippings, saute onions and celery until soft. Add sausage back in. In a medium bowl whisk together broth and soup until combined. Pour into sausage mixture. Add rice. Stir together well. Transfer to casserole dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir before serving.



Shared on The Country Cook April 11, 2014
 

19 comments:

Mandy Rivers said...

Awwww! This is so sweet! And you can call me "broad" any day, hooker! :)

The Tumbleweed Contessa said...

Krista, I have had the same thoughts. Ever since I saw Gone With The Wind I've had a passion for anything Southern. Except they didn't get to take a shower everyday. I worry about that.

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who has dreams of Scarlet and her beautiful clothes and Ashley and Rhet.

Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa

Holly said...

Oh this sounds delicious! Something I will definitely try very soon!

Unknown said...

Made this for supper tonight. Was delicious and all gone! Followed the recipe except I did not have a white onion, used a yellow one. Hubby and grandson requested it again later in the week. Very good, very easy!

Anonymous said...

Is this breakfast sausage, or Italian sausage?

Krista said...

Just mild bulk pork sausage.

Pam said...

What sides could you serve along with this? Suggestions please....

Pam said...

What would be some good side dishes to serve along with this? Suggestions please!!!

Krista said...

Hi Pam! This is truly a one pot meal, but I sympathize with you b/c my "boys" always insist on side dishes as well. When I make this I usually serve some fruit on the side (canned peaches, pears, etc) and warm biscuits or dinner rolls. Now that summer is here I think a nice tossed green salad would be perfect too! Hope this helps :)

Unknown said...

Krista, I made this for dinner a few nights ago, and it was delicious! The dish was empty! Thanks for such a simple and tasty recipe.

Unknown said...

Can use h.e.b mild Italian sausage??

Krista said...

You can! I can’t attest to the flavor bc I never have but let me know!

Laura S said...

I’ve made this literally dozens of times now, and I can attest that it’s great no matter what you do! I’ve used hot breakfast sausage; I’ve used mild; I’ve used Italian sausage, it’s all good. I’ve added steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, mushrooms, green beans. You name it, and it’s probably made it in there at least once. Then I always add minced garlic. This is my “clean out the last of the produce” recipe, and it always turns out good.

Unknown said...

Ì need to feed a family of 6. Is there a need to double this recipe or can it be stretched with additional chopped carrots, peppers
ect?

Krista said...

If I were feeding 6, I would go ahead and double the recipe. I would rather have a little leftover than not enough. And honestly, I'm not sure how carrots & peppers would taste in this, but hey, you can try anything!

DaveS said...

Krista.. not sure if you're still monitoring this, but I much prefer brown rice... Do you know if cooking is still the same time? Would it need more liquid?

Krista said...

I would say use the same liquid but increase cooking time. But watch it and if it seems to be drying out have some extra liquid on hand to add. Totally my guessing though! Good luck!

Melissa said...

What size dish? 9 x 13?

Krista said...

Not quite that big. I use 11x7