Holiday Broccoli Rice Casserole

I came up with this combination for broccoli rice casserole for a holiday potluck party for work. We have several vegetarians, plus one allergy to egg, one to corn and one to wheat. This is the altered result. It would probably be easiest to divide this into approximate thirds for smaller groups.

Holiday Broccoli Rice Casserole Feeds 30-40 (no egg, no wheat, no meat, no corn)

Ingredients:

1. • 3 cups uncooked Uncle Ben's rice
   • 6 3/4 cups water
   • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
   • 1 cube vegetable bullion

2. • 3 10-3/4 oz cans Campbell's cream of mushroom soup
   • 1 lb (16 oz) velveeta cheese
   • 1 8 oz. package Kroger brand double pizza cheese

3. • 2 medium onions, chopped
   • 1 whole bunch of celery, chopped
   • 1 tablespoon rubbed sage

4. • 1 28 oz package frozen chopped broccoli (cooked)

Directions:

1. Heat water with salt and 1 vegetable bullion cube and butter or margarine to boiling. Add rice, cover with tight fitting lid, return to boil, then turn down to simmer for 20-25 minutes or all water is absorbed.

2. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick dutch oven, begin heating 3 cans cream of mushroom soup over medium heat and add cubes of velveeta cheese. Stir often until cheese is melted. Then add package of pizza cheese and half and half. Stir well and heat until all cheese is melted.
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3. Meanwhile, in separate skillet, melt butter or margarine (approx. 3 tablespoons). Add sage, chopped onion and chopped celery. Saute until vegetables are just tender, then stir into the pot with soups and melted cheeses.

4. Using the same skillet from onion/celery, add about a cup of water, and whole package or broccoli, cover and bring to boil. Simmer 5 minutes or just until tender.

5. While broccoli is cooking, add cooked rice to soups, etc. Stir well and keep on medium-low heat. When broccoli is cooked, drain very well and fold into soups, cheeses, etc. Serve now in a bowl or place in heatable casserole dish to take a party.

6. . If you wish, crush some herbed seasoned bread dressing cubes and sprinkle on top as "garnish" and extra flavor. Would not be wheat free then.

By Lynn

Editor's Note: It has been noted by many people that Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup is not wheat/corn free. There may be other brands that are better for this. As with any food allergies, check the labels carefully.