This past week, when the tornadoes ravaged areas of Mississippi, my family found itself smack in the middle of the track of the storm.
Thankfully, the tornado had lifted by the time it reached us, but it unfortunately dropped again once it passed us, hitting Wren and Amory.
We did, however, lose power during the storm. Since it was at night, it wasn’t as big of a deal, but it did start me thinking, “What could we cook if the power is out?”
We have a gas oven, so it would be possible for us to still cook, but what would we cook?
Then the answer came to me, “Casserole!”
Casseroles are known for their ability to feed several people at once, or feed a few people for several days.
It can also be stored in the refrigerator, as long as you don’t leave the door open for too long, and make meals for a while.
However, you don’t have to be out of power to make and enjoy this dish!
Chicken tater tot casserole is a fun one for me. It combines several ingredients I like, such as chicken, tater tots and corn, into one dish that is delightful.
It also makes enough that you can prepare a second casserole, and freeze it before baking. Then you have a second one to prepare at a later date, cutting out the hassle (what little there is) of preparation work.
My mom makes this dish for my dad somewhat regularly. He usually clears a small pan of it, so I guess he likes it.
It is also good for kids. It combines protein and vegetables, and it also features tater tots, every kid’s favorite.
As I mentioned, the preparation work is not time intensive, and the whole process takes less than an hour.
This dish also makes a good gift.
Around here, casseroles are a common gift to people we know who have experienced a tragedy such as the loss of a loved one or something equitable.
This casserole, as I mentioned, makes a second one that can be frozen, which would be good as it is a gift not only for now, but also later.
I would recommend trying this at least once, and it might just become your favorite casserole.
CHICKEN TATER TOT CASSEROLE
2 cans cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
¼ cup butter, cubed
Canned or frozen vegetables of your choice (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 package frozen tater tots
■ In a large saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk and butter.
■ Cook and stir over medium heat until it is heated through and the butter has melted.
■ Remove from the heat and stir in the chicken, vegetables and one cup of the cheese.
■ Transfer to two greased 8-inch square baking dishes.
■ Top with the tater tots.
■ Bake at 400 degrees until it is bubbling, 25-30 minutes.
■ Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cheese and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
■ Cover and freeze the remaining casserole.
■ To cook the frozen one, remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw) and sprinkle with ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
■ Cover and bake at 350 degrees until heated through, about 1 ½ – 1 ¾ hours.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
