Nothing Says Cottage Like Company for Dinner

I called my mom on Thursday and found out that she and my stepfather will probably be here on Sunday, so that has given me a little more time to get things done around here and to also slow down a bit. Yesterday I spent hours scrubbing all the paint drops off the old ugly kitchen and dining room linoleum and while there are still a few specs that I'm not going to worry about (we're ripping all this up later anyway) the floor looks *much* better. Today I'm even going to add floor shine to it to give it a little sparkle, something that I haven't seen for a year now:)

After I finished scrubbing the floors yesterday, a couple of our dear friends stopped by to drop off their little girl for a couple of hours. She's absolutely one of the sweetest, cutest, most adorable baby I've ever seen in my life (besides my own girls, of course)! My girls essesntially did the babysitting for me while I started on a yummy down home cooked chicken and veggie casserole. We put on some nice classical music, the girls ran around and played, and there was a such great feeling in the house. Another friend had also stopped by and he and hubs worked on his car out in the driveway. I let him know even before he got here that we were having casserole for dinner and I also called up another friend and told him to come and eat if he was able. All was well in our little cottage home:)

At about eight o'clock, little Lexi's mom arrived to pick her up but I was glad that she, too, got here just in time for dinner and joined us all. I hadn't visited with her in a little while so it was nice catching up with her while all the kids played. It was just a very lovely evening hanging out with our friends, who after all, are relatives you choose for yourself:)

So here is the recipe for the chicken casserole I made. This is a great meal for company because it serves a lot and there is plenty for everyone to have seconds (or thirds!). Everyone ate until they were satisfied and we still have a good portion left today. For a family of five, you could probably take half the casserole mix and make a second casserole to freeze. It is *not* lowfat or low carb by any means, but it is very yum and is quintessential comfort food:) To my friend Jason who is moving to California soon, you should grab a pen and write this recipe down:)

One Woman's Chicken and Rice Casserole

5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3 cans cream of chicken soup
1 16oz container sour cream
2 bags lightly steamed vegetable medley (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
1 can of corn
2 cups cubed velveeta (give or take)
shredded cheddar cheese
milk
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice (add about 4 chicken bouillon cubes to rice while cooking for extra flavor)

Heat oven to 400

Cut up chicken into cubes and lightly brown it in a bit of butter. Add some garlic or onion if you like. Drain and add cream of chicken, sour cream, velveeta, a cup of shredded cheddar, and enough milk to make the mixture nice and fluid and creamy. Cook on medium heat while stirring. Stir in steamed vegetables and corn, then cooked rice. Pour mixture into large casserole dish and cover with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted or lightly browned.

There you have it! Let me know if you try this and tell me how you liked it:)

Today is the day that we hang the remaining *finished!* cabinet doors...photos will be added soon!