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Most of you know by now that we moved a little over a month ago. Of course all the essentials have long been unpacked, but there are still boxes in my loft (and I mean dozens of boxes) filled with books. These include my cookbook collection.  Yesterday afternoon, I cracked one open and was excited to see it was the one that had been housing all my favorite recipes.  I pulled one out from my Sue Gregg collection and it immediately fell open to an oft-used page — Lentil Rice Casserole.  I’m excited to share this with you because:

1. I made it for supper last night and I want more , right now!
2. It is a great frugal recipe for a hearty family meal.
3. It is the perfect addition to a Christmas gift basket.

Let’s start with the recipe and then I’ll show you how to package this for a heart-warming and delicious gift.

Lentil Rice Casserole

Yield: 6 servings

• 1/2 c. brown rice
• 3/4 c. lentils, red or green, both work great
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1/4 c. dried onion flakes
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 Tbl. Spike Seasoning , (This is the one change I make to the original recipe.  I buy Spike locally, but you can order it online, as well. )
• 3 c. water
• 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese, optional
• fat free sour cream, optional
• chopped tomatoes, optional

Mix lentils, rice, onion flakes, all seasonings and water in a 2 or 3 qt baking dish that has a lid.  If your dish doesn’t have a lid, you will need foil to seal it tightly, when baking.

Bake in 300° oven for 2 hours or until lentils are tender and water is absorbed.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and place back in oven for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt.

We serve this with fat-free sour cream and chopped tomatoes as toppings, but it is delicious plain, too.  It also makes an excellent burrito filling.Serve this with steamed broccoli or a side salad and a wonderful, warm piece of crusty bread and it is a satisfying, comfort food meal.  Yum!

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Using Lentils and Rice in a Christmas Gift Basket

I was so excited when I realized that all the dry ingredients for this delicious meal perfectly fill a one-pint canning jar.  I mixed the beans, rice, seasonings (crush the bouillon) and onion flakes and then added them to my canning jar.  Next, I cut a quick circle from a scrap of fabric and centered that over the top of the jar lid.  Adding the screw band to the lid gathered the fabric just enough to make a pretty presentation.    You could add a bow or a raffia tie and attach the tag.  Now just make a gift tag that includes how to use your mix and the recipe, so they can make it on their own again, later.

Enjoy a budget-friendly and hearty meal with your family.   Then surprise the people you love with this thoughtful meal- in-a-jar, as a part of  a Christmas gift basket.

Printable Recipe