love people; cook them tasty down-home poppy seed chicken casserole

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."  Matthew 10:42

Yesterday was just a wonderful day of worship and digging deeper into finding out what it is God desires of us.  At Una, we've been spending Sundays in the book of James… so practical and real.  For me, it's always been the "when-the-rubber-meets-the-road" kind of book.  And I can't help but think about its author, James… the very brother of Jesus himself.  He had to have a really remarkable perspective!

But as wonderful as yesterday was, it was as much - and possibly even more - unsettling to me.  Because yesterday's sermon, and discussion following, centered around our riches… our attitude about them, how we attain them, how we spend them, and how we can choose to either store away for our idea of a perfect life later or give them away and bless others.  Big responsibility. 

Although anyone who is able to read this is more than likely richer than 90% of the rest of the world, I know there are many who would say their pockets are not always full enough to offer monetary handouts easily.  But for those in such situations, I urge you to remember that you too can bless others.  And if you've been reading this blog long enough, you know I'm passionate about doing so through food.  It speaks to the heart, offers relief, lifts the spirit!

This recipe is one of those down-home, no pretenses, let-me-help-you-feel-better kind of recipes.  It can make a little or a lot and pleases children and adults alike.  That alone, in my book, makes this a keeper!

To this whole idea of blessing others through food, I have a "big idea" spinning around in my head that I hope to solidify and share in weeks to come.  In the meantime, if you're so inclined, be sharing the blog with others.  It's an easy way to help me spread the word about the big idea when the time is right.

To a God-blessed week!  Cheers!

Down-Home Poppy Seed Chicken -  makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. chicken, cooked and cubed
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, optional
• 1 recipe of Cream of Whatever soup (I use a mixture of celery, mushroom, and chicken to make 1/2 cup of the main ingredient for this dish)
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 sleeves Roasted Vegetable Ritz Crackers
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seed

~ Heat oven to 350 degrees.
~ While preparing cream soup, sprinkle cubed chicken evenly with salt, if desired.  Set 
    aside.
~ Mix together soup, sour cream, and milk.  Add chicken and stir.
~ Place crackers in a plastic bag and crush using the bottom of a glass, hands, etc.  I find a 
    rolling pin works great!
~ Add poppy seed and melted butter to the crushed crackers.  Shake bag to mix until butter 
    is evenly distributed.  
~ Add HALF of the cracker mixture to the chicken mixture and stir.
~ Pour into greased 2 quart casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.
~ Remove from the oven and add the last of the crackers on top.  Bake for another 15-20 
    minutes or until bubbling.

Recipe from The Lazy Daisy Kitchen