Many Protestant denominations have a wonderful tradition called Dinner on the Grounds. That alone is enough to give you religion but, I digress. It's often held in late summer or early fall so the bounty of farms and gardens can be shared with friends and neighbors. Many a little old church lady...

...will don her blue wig and show off her best recipes. This is why there are no anorexic Baptists.

If you would like a taste of this heavenly goodness without the associated hymns and prayers, some of these recipes are so easy a heathen child could make them.

Heathen Child

Maw-Maw's Casserole for Dinner on the Grounds

Ingredients:

2 cups of Minute Rice (white or brown)

2 Cups of Water

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 Can Cream of Onion, Celery or Chick- your choice

4 Green onions chopped

1 small can of mushrooms

2 cups of medium cheddar cheese (use one, save one)

1 pound of shrimp peeled OR 1 pound of chicken sliced into small pieces (Note: that's OR, not AND)

1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning

1 Can of Rotel Tomatoes

1/2 stick of butter

Three pieces of bacon, crumbled

One large Mixing Bowl

One 9 X 13 Casserole Pan

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Instructions:

1. pre-heat oven to 400 degrees (F)

2) grease or use Pam on the Casserole pan

3) In the mixing bowl add 2 cups rice, 2 cups water, 2 cans of cream of whatever soup, 1 can Rotel, 1 cup cheese, one Tablespoon Creole seasoning, green onions, mushrooms and 1 pound of chicken or shrimp.

4) Mix thoroughly and place mixture in Casserole pan creating a flat and even distribution.

5) Cut butter into thin slices, place on top of the casserole.

6) Place in oven and cook at 400 degrees for 50 minutes.

7) at 50 minutes, remove the Casserole pan from the oven.

8. Place 1 cup of cheese on top of Casserole and then crumble the bacon on top

9) Cook and additional 10 minutes.

10) Remove from oven. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

You can vary this recipe a great deal with different kinds of onions, bell pepper, you might even substitute half of the meat with cooked sausage. It's so good, it's almost a religious experience.