Easy Cheesy Rice

1 cup Uncle Ben's Brown Quick Rice
1 10oz can of Cream of Chicken Soup
10oz water
1t garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to *375

Spray a 9x9 glass dish with non-stick spray. Place rice in the pan to cover the bottom. In a small bowl mix Cream of Chicken, water, garlic powder and pour over the top of the rice. Seal with foil and cook at *375 for 25-30 minutes until rice is fluffy. Once rice is done add on cheddar cheese and place in oven until cheese is just melted, stir and serve!

Quick Tomato Soup

I took a spin on the Barefoot Contessa's Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons...

1 T olive oil
1/2 cup minced onion
3 cloves of garlic minced
4 cups of chicken broth
1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup parm cheese
1 cup orzo cooked
1t oregano
Sourdough Croutons

In a large stock pot heat oil on medium heat, add in onions until they appear translucent. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir for 2 minutes on low heat making sure not to let the garlic burn. Add in the broth, tomatoes and orzo and bring to a simmer. Before you are ready to serve add in the parm cheese and oregano, top each bowl with croutons (approximately 4-6).

I also made grilled cheese with sourdough bread to pair with the soup.
Enjoy!

Easy Summer Chicken Pasta Salad

My best friend's mom makes this dish and I absolutely love it! I count on it when I am visiting them in the summer months. You can make this various ways but omitting the pasta and serving it on rolls or including the pasta and serving it as a side. Sometimes I enjoy it as my main dish with a side of grilled corn.
Enjoy!

 4 chicken tenders or 2 chicken breasts- not breaded
1/2 lb shells
1 1/2 cup Mayonaise
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1 cup grapes quartered
1/2 cup diced celery
1 T Dijon Mustard
1T Dill
1t Pepper


Preheat oven to *375
Bake 4 chicken tenders or 2 chicken breasts until juices run clear
While chicken is baking boil enough water to cover shells, cook shells until al dente.
While both pasta and chicken are cooking, wash and quarter grapes.

After chicken has finished baking cube and put on a plate in the fridge to cool if you plan to eat the dish fairly soon. If you are making it for later you can leave it out.
Drain pasta and cool with cold water to stop from continuing to cook.
In a large bowl mix pasta, chicken, grapes, celery and cover with mayonaise, ranch dressing and seasoning, mix until thoroughly covered.

Place a layer of saran wrap lightly over the bowl and put in the refrigerator to cool.

Enjoy as your main dish or with grilled corn!