Potluck Classic

Around the holiday times I got into a deep discussion with a friend about how we missed the church pot lucks of our childhood. Because you know, that's what you do during the holidays. You sit around and eat, and talk about food while you chew!

We both remembered going to church on Sundays as a kid, and then what the service was over gathering in the church basement for a big meal, that everyone contributed to. All the little old ladies would bring their tried and true dishes everyone raved about, the ones they had brought to every pot luck for years and years. Everyone else would try to find something just as delicious to bring, and while their food was also appreciated and enjoyed, it was those long time favorites people looked forward to the most.

As we were talking she started to tell me about just that. A dish that showed up at every potluck she could remember, always brought by the same sweet lady. Now, the neat thing about this lady was that each time someone complimented her on the dish, and of course asked for the recipe, she was always happy to share it. I love that. Food is love, and sharing the love is half the fun!

 I couldn't wait to try it for myself, and I'm so happy I did! My boys were literally licking their plates! They couldn't get enough. This is the perfect side dish for a busy weeknight because you can throw it together as soon as you get home from work, the oven does all the work and about 45 minutes later a steaming plate of yummy is on your table. It has such incredible flavor, and goes great with pork, chicken, beef or fish.

If you enjoyed potlucks as a child too, you can appreciate what I'm talking about. Or, if you are just looking for a new rice dish, this is something you will want to try asap!

French Onion and Parmesan Rice

1 c. long grain rice

1 (10 3/4 oz.) French Onion soup

1 (10 3/4 oz.) beef consume'

1 stick butter

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Place rice in a 8x11 baking dish. Add soup and consume'. Stir to combine. Place stick of butter in center of rice mixture. Bake for 40 minutes until most of the liquid has absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from oven. Stir well. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 5-7 additional minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and stir before serving.

Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 14, 2014