A Mama's Heart...

Once a mother...always a mother. It never changes does it? If you are reading this and you are a mom, mommy, mama, or mother, you know what I am saying. Whether you have a child that is a newborn or a grown adult child, the love never goes away, at least not for me. There are times as a mother that we are hurt, not heard, disappointed, frustrated, even irritated by a child, but there are also those glorious proud moments in which we celebrate, embrace and have a heart filled to overflowing with our child or children.

I am blessed to have three unique children...each wonderful in their own special way and all three love me immensely. I have been blessed with two bonus daughters, as I call them. I have never been keen on the word "step-daughter" and they have been a special addition to my family of children.

Two weeks ago, my grandson diagnosed with Covid. This prickly virus did not seem to mind attaching itself to my vaccinated daughter as she was doing everything she could to care for her very sick son. That's what we moms do....we often stand in the gap for our children...damn the consequences. There is nothing that will keep us from being available when there is a need.

Where does that leave me? I'm at home feeling helpless, because I can't go near...for many fear for my health and safety. Thank goodness, I'm a good cook! I got a call from my daughter, who hasn't felt like eating anything and for some reason she saw my Chicken and Rice Casserole in the "How'd You Cook That" cookbook that I made for each child several years ago. Oh, to feel useful is a wonderful thing!

I decided that since I have neglected my blog readers for the last month, this would be a great recipe to share with you. It makes a large casserole so I will be making several small casseroles to give to my daughter, my sister and for our dinner here at home. I hope you enjoy it!

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Serves: 10-12

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 1 hr. 15 mins

Oven Temp.: 350º F

Ingredients

1 (2.25-oz.) package sliced almonds

2 (6.2-oz.) boxes fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix or cook 1 1/2 cups of wild and long grain rice

1/4 cup butter

4 celery ribs, chopped

2 medium onions, chopped

5 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 (10 3/4-oz.) cans mushroom soup

2 (8-oz.) cans chopped water chestnuts, drained

1 (8-oz.) container sour cream

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

4 cups (16 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350º. 1. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 4 to 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

2.Prepare rice mixes according to package directions or cook your wild rice following directions on the package.

3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add celery and onions. Sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken, next 6 ingredients, rice, and 3 cups cheese. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 15- x 10-inch baking dish or 2 (11- x 7-inch) baking dishes. Top with breadcrumbs.

4. Bake at 350º for 35 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese, and top with toasted almonds. Bake 5 minutes.

To Make Ahead: Prepare as directed in Steps 2 and 3. Cover with aluminum foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Remove from freezer, and let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Toast almonds as directed in Step 1. Bake casserole, covered, at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese and toasted almonds. Bake 5 more minutes.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

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I remember when...

Today is the Fourth of July, a national holiday...that last year we were unable to celebrate. This year friends and families will gather together with flags and food and fireworks. What does the Fourth of July mean to you? This morning in church, our service began with Fanfare for the Common Man, it took my breath away! Next, the choir performed, God of Our Fathers which always brings tears to my eyes. How fortunate we are as a nation to have these glorious pieces of music to remind us of the blessings we have in this country...the biggest being FREEDOM.

Men and women continue to served our country, and over the years many have died for our country because they believed in the freedoms that we have. Many lives have been lost so that other countries might have the same kind of freedom that we share in the United States. Our founding fathers created The First Amendment to ensure our freedom of speech, free press, choice of our religion, freedom to peacefully assemble and the right to petition the government. These freedoms are for everyone.

Here are some memories that made me have a great appreciation for my country.

• My father, a WWII veteran continued his service in the National Guard for many years as I grew up. I remember him teaching us the importance of living in a free country and standing up for what we believed.

• I remember being in school when everyone proudly said the Pledge of Allegiance (will many children know the Pledge in 50 years?)

• I remember singing the National Anthem with pride and great gusto

• I remember when people could share their beliefs without fear of being cancelled

Times have changed...if we fail to pass down the importance of our freedoms. our grand-children will have nothing to guide them.

No country is perfect, but the United States has afforded us freedoms that many countries do not have. I fear that we are moving from being the country known as "the melting pot" a place where different peoples, styles, and theories are mixed together...to today's country being defined as US and THEM.

I believe that as a country, we can do better by working together. On this Fourth of July, lets celebrate our freedom of speech, religion and our voice to speak. Maybe we can agree to disagree while striving to make this country better through collaboration and listening to different points of view. We just might find common ground to help solve the challenges we face. Let's always remember the freedoms established by our forefathers in the US Constitution set us apart from other countries.

God Bless America!