Kick off back to school with delicious chicken and rice

By Staff
Quick and easy way to have a family dinner
They won't tell you this, but kids are secretly glad to get back into a school routine after summer's pursuits. Most parents are open about their joy in returning to a regular schedule, which includes dinner together at the end of a busy day. Sharing a hot meal makes us feel we're connected.
The dilemma many of us face is how to get dinner on the table every night. Here are some of the secrets for accomplishing family dinners:
Count on casseroles frequently, eliminating the need for many side dishes. Also, casseroles can conveniently be made ahead or frozen for a later date.
Plan once, cook once, eat twice! Make dishes that can be made ahead and frozen – make two and freeze one.
Enlist the help of family. Plan meals on a notepad and have the kids assist where appropriate.
Younger kids can set the table and clear the dishes; preteens can make a salad and do dishes.
Have everyone bring a topic to the table to discuss; maybe it's something new they learned today.
Keep a list of family members' favorite sides and salad, and keep ingredients on hand. Some favorites are baby carrots with dip; coleslaw blended with Italian dressing; baby spinach saut/ed in olive oil; microwaved, precut veggies tossed with ranch dressing.
Chicken &Rice Casserole delivers big, family-favorite flavors for very little effort. A few tasty ingredients – chicken, rice, onion, jalapeno – blended together with cheese and evaporated milk creates tempting aromas, ensuring a hungry crew at the table.
Bring 'em to the table every night! For more savvy supper ideas and tempting goodies for dessert baking, check out the always-delicious ideas at www.VeryBestBaking.com.
Chicken &Rice Casserole
(Makes 4 servings)
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestl/ Carnation Evaporated Milk
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon diced jalapenos (optional)
PREHEAT oven to 350