Retro meal. Sometimes Dad makes a meal request. Like this time, at times it's not very clear what he is looking for, but after a few questions the meal is revealed.

Dad: Why don't you make one of those awful ones like your mother?
Anna: Awful ones? (What in Billy Blue blazes does he mean?!)
Dad: NO! Not awful - 'awl 'n ones'.
Anna: All-in-ones? (Still don't know what he's talking about)
Dad: You know, where you throw the whole meal into the pot and bake it.
Anna: Ah, a casserole!

Now my Mom's casserole was much like Elle's Mustuse Pie, a different one every time, depending on what must be used in the refrigerator. What is a casserole anyway but a combination of a starch, meat, vegetables bound with a creamy sauce and topped with either melted cheese or something crunchy?

In this case, I decided it was a good excuse to use those Costco pantry items that sometimes sit around. The main ones I used are pictured above. I had the canned chicken breast, canned mushrooms and wide egg noodles all in the pantry, and I picked up Sylvia's Chicken Gravy Mix at Molly Stone's on the way home. I also had a fresh broccoli crown and organic shredded cheese in the refrigerator.

All-in-One Casserole

12 oz egg noodles
2 small cans mushrooms
1 envelope chicken gravy (follow package directions)
1 can chicken breast
1 broccoli crown, cut in small pieces
2 oz shredded cheese for topping

Steam broccoli. (I steamed mine over the noodles using the steaming basket that came with the pasta pot). Boil noodles per package directions. Make gravy, adding mushrooms to boil, then can of chicken breast pieces. Drain noodles and return to pot, combine all other ingredients together and mix, except the cheese. Pour into a casserole dish, and top with shredded cheese. Pop into a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and serve.

I have also taken up Elle's invitation to an interview, and she sent such thoughtful questions, it's taking a while to answer them, but stay tuned!