Hoosier Home Cookin'

Cathy Schnepp of the Mulberry Health & Retirement Community dietary department has a reputation for being an awesome cook. For the next couple of weeks, she's given me permission to share a few of her favorites. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is simple, tasty and a great way to encourage your kids to eat their vegetables. And speaking of kids, they'll also love Easy-N-Fast Taco Pizza. Finish off either meal with a delicious dessert of Banana Chocolate Treat.

Happy eating!

Cathy Schnepp's Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

1 (10.75-oz.) can cream of
chicken soup
1 1/3 C. water
3/4 C. uncooked rice
2 C. fresh or frozen vegetables
1/2 tsp. onion powder
4 boneless, skinless chicken
breast halves
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Stir the soup, water, rice, vegetables and onion powder in a 9x13 shallow baking dish. Top with chicken. Season chicken as desired. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until done. Top with cheese. Serves 4.

Easy-N-Fast Taco Pizza

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

8 oz. sour cream
1 packet dry taco seasoning
chopped tomatoes, seeded and
drained
sliced black olives
chopped green onions
8 oz. shredded cheese.

Spread crescent rolls in a 10x15 pan, pressing together all seams. Bake until golden. Cool. Mix sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning with a mixer until creamy. Top with vegetables and cheese. Refrigerate to blend flavors.

Banana Chocolate Treat

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 C. butter, softened
2 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 C. milk, divided
4 1/2 C. miniature marshmallows,
divided
2 or 3 bananas, sliced
2 (3-oz.) pkgs. Instant vanilla
pudding mix
1 C. whipped topping, thawed
1 C. coconut (plus more for garnish,
if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix with butter, mixing until crumbly. Press into bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. In a large saucepan, combine chocolate chips, 1 cup milk and 2 cups marshmallows. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until marshmallows are melted. Pour mixture over cooled crust. Chill for about an hour. Place banana slices in a single layer over chocolate mixture. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix with 3 C. milk. Whisk in whipped topping and stir in remaining marshmallows and 1 C. coconut. Spoon over bananas and sprinkle additional coconut on top. Keep refrigerated