Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole *

4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pkg (32 oz) hash browns, whatever style you prefer, thawed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3 green onions

Heat oven to 375.  In a large bowl, mix cooked bacon, peppers and onion.  Add thawed hash browns, soup, sour cream and one cup cheese.  Mix lightly.  Spoon into greased 13x9 baking dish.  Top with remaining cheese.  Bake 40-45 minutes or until heated through and golden brown on top.  Sprinkle with green onions.

Serves 20

Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Stir Fry *

1 1/2 cups uncooked rice, long grain or minute
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 pound chicken breast strips
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut in 1/2 inch wedges
1 pkg (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup stir fry sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce

Cook rice as directed on package.  In a wok or large deep skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil.  Add chicken strips; sitr fry 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink in center.  Remove chicken from wok; place on plate.  Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil to wok and heat.  Add asparagus and onion; stir fry 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms; stir fry 3 minutes longer.  (If asparagus is not tender enough at this time, you can add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam 2-3 minutes.)  In small bowl, mix stir fry sauce and oyster sauce.  Add sauce mixture and return chicken to wok; stir fry about 1 minute long or until hot.  Serve over rice or you can mix rice into chicken mixture.

Serves 4

Slow Cooker Smoky Ham and Bean Soup *

1 pound cooked ham, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 cups water
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp liquid smoke
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In slow cooker,  mix all ingredients except parsley.  Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or until beans are tender.  Stirring occasionally or adding a small amount of water may be required to ensure all beans are covered by water while cooking.  Stir in parsley before serving.

Serves 4