Heavenly Onion Casserole

Before we entered the retirement portion of our life, I operated a Family Child Care home daycare as an Army wife. I was certified via the Army Child and Youth Services program and participated in the USDA food program for each state that I operated. Learning to cook in accordance with Army and USDA regulations often meant cooking meals clearly identified separate meal components: protein, vegetable, fruit, bread. A casserole often is a combination of those components - and a little more difficult to account for when breaking down each component's serving size.

As a mom though, I have to tell you that I can truly appreciate the convenience of having a one-dish meal that a casserole recipe can readily provide. (Crock-pot anyone?) Growing up I got to experience many different types of casseroles at church potlucks, family reunions, and carry-in dinners. My mom always knew the perfect casserole dish to provide to any group gathering.

In her honor, I'm pulling out her recipe books to pull my April casserole recipes. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

~Mimi

Ingredients:

• 3 TBS butter
• 3 white onions, sliced
• 1 cup, sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 (10 3/4 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 6-8 slices french bread
• 6-8 slices Swiss cheese (deli style)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add onions and mushrooms to melted butter - cook until tender.
3. Turn cooked onions and mushrooms into a greased 11 x 7 baking dish, top with shredded Swiss cheese.
4. Combine evaporated milk and soy sauce, pour over shredded cheese and vegetables.
5. Next, top with sliced bread followed by Swiss cheese slices.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or 4 hours).
7. Bake, loosely covered, in a 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
9. Before serving, allow to cool (rest) for at least 5 minutes.

Hint: Serve warm for best flavor. This recipe is designed to serve 6-8 people according to the original directions, but we have found that it stretches further. Don't want to buy 2 different types of Swiss cheese? Purchase a block that you can slice and shred as desired at home. Save money too! Enjoy!