Our office Christmas luncheon was in my home this year.  We shared one of my family’s favorite meals, Snow on the Mountain.  You build your meal by piling it full with good things, starting with cooked rice on the bottom, chicken in gravy on top of that, and lots more tasty things that have a crunch or piquant flavor, and finish off with a little grated coconut on top (the snow on top of your food mountain).  It was tasty and I was glad to introduce a family favorite to my staff.

We also had a gift exchange and I was thrilled with the gift from my staff:  a yarn bowl in the shape of a sheep complete with hand spun yarn inside!  I am grateful we could share this special time together and relax in the midst of the Christmas fray.   I wish all of you a small respite as you prepare for the holidays!

Here's the recipe for Snow on the Mountain if you'd like to try it with your family.

Ingredients:

6-8 eight cups cooked rice
Chicken in gravy.  (I usually stew a chicken, take the meat off the bone, and use the broth for making the gravy.)
12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
4 sliced tomatoes
2 cups chopped raw onions
11 oz crispy Chow Mien noodles
1 cup sliced celery
7 oz sliced green olives (or black if preferred)
1 lb can crushed pineapple
1 cup sliced almonds
1 small package coconut

Line of up dishes in the order shown and make your mountain!