fall is here

It's that time of year.

Fall decorations are making their way out around the house,

and our family's favorite fall dinner is on the menu. 

Here are two traditions we have for this time of year.

I always scatter Halloween pictures of our daughter around the house in fun frames.

Some are store bought as-is; others I purchased at the dollar store

and perked up with paint, ribbon, and embellishments.

And every year on the first day of fall we have this for dinner-

Wild Rice Harvest Casserole.

It is super yummy- and the aroma is heavenly while it bakes.

Not only do I make this for the first day of fall, but it is also my go to dish when I take a meal

 to a new mommy or a family in need.  It's one of my most requested dishes.

I got it from Taste of Home years ago!

A creamy chicken and rice casserole with the added luxury of cashews baked in.

♥♥♥!!

Here's the recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

4-5 cups diced chicken
1 cup chopped celery
2 T butter
2 cans cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 small chopped onion
1/2 cup wild rice, and 1/2 cup white rice (not instant)- rinsed and drained
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
3/4 cup cashew pieces
chopped fresh parsley

In a skillet, brown chicken and celery in butter.  In a large bowl, combine soup and broth until smooth.  Add onion, rice, poultry seasoning, and cooked chicken mixture.
Pour into a greased 13x9 dish.  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.  Uncover and baked for another 30 minutes.  Stir and sprinkle with cashew pieces. Return to the oven for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.  Garnish with parsley.  Let sit for 5 minutes before serving- it's piping hot!!

Happy First Day of Fall!  Enjoy and share your traditions!