Bacon and Rice Delight

Your whole family will love this easy cheesy, bacon and rice dish that's hearty enough to serve as a main dish.

Recipe Ingredients:

5 slices bacon, diced
1 cup chopped onion
3 cups cooked rice*
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1/4 cup pecans
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook bacon and onion in large skillet until onion is golden. Pour off excess drippings. Add rice, olives, pecans, salt and pepper to skillet. Continue cooking until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Stir in cottage cheese.
2. Turn into buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole. Top with cheddar cheese.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.

*According to the USA Rice Federation, 1 cup uncooked long grain rice cooked in 2 cups liquid for 18 to 20 minutes will yield approximately 3 to 4 cups cooked rice.

Recipe provided courtesy of USA Rice Federation.