Mashed Potato Meal

Here’s something easy, cheesy and pleasy. Is pleasy a word? ... OK, maybe not, but it rhymes! It is a pleasant experience when everyone in the family loves what’s for dinner – especially when one youngster is somewhat picky. This is a homemade replica of a dish my husband enjoys from a popular restaurant which stars a colonel. It’s easy as pie, and perhaps even tastier!

Ingredients to make 6 servings:

8 potatoes, medium sized
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter
1 jar (12 oz.) chicken gravy (such as Heinz HomeStyle)
1 1/2 C. frozen corn
Popcorn chicken, in frozen foods section
1 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Place scrubbed potatoes in large pot with just enough water to cover and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and simmer with lid on for 15-20 mins., until fork tender. Pour off water and set potatoes aside to cool. Peel and mash, adding 4 Tbsp. butter and about a half cup of milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

While the potatoes are cooking, bake the popcorn chicken according to directions and cook the frozen corn. Warm the gravy.

Layer ingredients in six separate dishes: mashed potatoes, 2-3 Tbsp. gravy, 1/4 C. corn, 3/4 C. popcorn chicken and 1/4 C. cheese. If you prefer, microwave for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.

Serve immediately.

Angel’s tips: If you prefer all homemade, shredded or cubed chicken could be used, and homemade gravy. On the other hand, if you’re in a big rush, mashed potatoes from a box is an option. Reduce ingredient amounts to make fewer bowls, if needed.