In all I am, do, and will write, my aim is to hit God's mark. I will have moments of being misguided as I am not perfect, but know that I serve a God that loves me through it all.
I am notorious for forgetting to take the meat out of the freezer in time for it to thaw. And, I really don't care to go grocery shopping too many times during the month, so try to use what I have creatively. This leaves me searching the pantry for inspiration quite regularly. I like to have a few "Pantry Panic" meals ready and handy. The following is just such a meal as I usually have all the ingredients somewhere in my pantry and spice cupboard. It comes from one of my Sue Gregg cookbooks. It's one recipe I really don't alter at all because we like it just the way it is.
3 cups chicken broth
¾ cup lentils, uncooked
½ cup brown rice, uncooked
¼ cup onion flakes, instant minced
½ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup cheddar cheese, grated*
Blend all ingredients together in a casserole dish except the cheese. Bake covered at 300 degrees for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until tender and the broth is absorbed. Top hot casserole with cheese with a handful of fresh parsley.
*I hold off on adding any cheese because some family members struggle with dairy allergies. But if I have some goat cheese, I will add that generously. I will also use fresh onions or herbs if I have them instead of dried. I don't really measure.
When serving, individuals add a splash of green tabasco sauce to their personal taste. My husband also adds his cow's milk cheese.
I usually double the recipe. There isn't tons of leftovers for us, but if there is, it makes a great tortilla filler. Add some cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce...whatever.
You know, it just occurred to me that this would make a good 'mix' gift as all the ingredients are dried. Just label the jar with instructions to add chicken broth and cheese, the temperature and times, and you're done. Hmm, I think I just solved the mystery of what to make for all those friends of mine with babies due the same time as me. (You know who you are. If this meal doesn't sound appetizing to you, best tell me now or forever hold your peace!)
Yes! I have this same recipe given to me on an index card by a dear friend years ago. That is exactly what she used to do- combine the dry ingredients in a ziplock bag and keep it in her pantry ready to go. She went to be with the Lord 10 years ago now, but last month I dug up her little index card and made the casserole for the first time in about 5 years. Yum! It had me wondering why I had ever forsaken it in the first place:)
Sue Gregg, huh? And all this time I thought it was Ami's. Well, in my mind, it always will be. I was thinking of sharing it on my blog one of these days- I thought it was an original!!
