I’ve been at the desk all day and what I lacked in caffeinated consumption I more than made up for in sugar. The following prose introduction for today’s DoAhead Dining is the result. {I promise I’ll go back to coffee next week.}

School is back in gear.

Less grilling and more running is going on here.

So here’s a true DoAhead meal you prep the night before.

I promise they’ll love it…they’ll even ask for more!

Chicken & Cheese DoAhead Casserole

Ingredients:

1 8 oz package uncooked macaroni (we like Rotini)

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 can filled with Milk

1 4 oz. can Mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped Peppers

1/2 cup chopped Celery

1/2 cup chopped Onions

1 2 oz. jar Pimentos

1/2 pound grated Cheddar Cheese

2 cups cooked (or canned) Chicken

Mix all ingredients. Place in greased casserole dish. Store overnight in the fridge. Just before baking cover with slivered almonds. Bake at 350 for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours. Serves 10. (Picky eaters may require removal of the peppers, mushrooms and almonds but even the plain Jane version is tasty.)