I set out to make an ordinary dinner special. I started with the basics:

My “secret “in making the dinner special is simply adding some details to the tablesetting…:


… and some prettier serving pieces:

Not too long after, food items began to materialize:

Now, I present to you the “star” of the show — Mexican Casserole (now you see why I called it an ordinary dinner) — it wasn’t Chicken Cordon Bleu; it wasn’t Porterhouse Steak; it was just a heartily cheesy Mexican Casserole that happened to be a favorite in my house:

The little bit of effort in setting a nice table sure made an ordinary dinner extra special. Here is my recipe:

A bag of corn tortillas
5-6 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 can water
2 cans 4 oz green chilies
1 medium can sliced olives
12 oz block of marbled cheese (Monterey Jack and Cheddar), or 1 1/2 blocks of 8 oz blocks, shredded
Chopped Jalapeno Peppers (to taste)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
Salt, pepper, chili power and ground cumin to taste
For garnish (optional) - extra olives, cilantro, tomatoes and sour cream
1. Heat soup, water and green chilies on stove top.
2. Meanwhile, mix chicken together with onion, olives, tomatoes, and chopped jalapeno peppers. Season with salt, pepper, chili power and cumin to taste.
3. Layer the bottom of 9″x12″ baking dish with corn tortillas.
4. Top with half of the chicken mixture, and then half of the soup mixture.
5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
6. Repeat layering one more time with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, soup mixture and cheese.
7. Bake in 350 F oven for 30 minutes.
8. Garnish if desired.
We had Apple Enchilada for dessert to keep with the Mexican Menu. Husband was very pleased, and therefore, I am pleased!
Have a wonderful day, everyone — do stop and enjoy some cheese if you remember!