Friendship Seafood Casserole

By Patricia Coles-Chalmers from Barbara Ruhs Witzak, a special friend from Kalamazoo, Michigan

This dish comes from a cherished friendship tradition—special friends make it for lunch or dinner when they gather together. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that can be prepared the day before, stored in the refrigerator, and baked the next day for an easy, comforting shared meal.

Dietary Notes: Can be made vegetarian by using mushroom or celery soup and omitting seafood.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb shell macaroni, cooked

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 can cream of chicken, mushroom, or celery soup

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

• 1 lb sliced mushrooms

• 1/2 lb crabmeat

• 1/2 lb shrimp

• 1/2 lb scallops

• 1/4 stick butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a saucepan, heat milk and soup together until thickened.

3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until tender.

4. Add scallops and cook for about 2 minutes, then strain.

5. Combine seafood and soup mixture along with remaining seafood.

6. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.

7. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.

8. Butter or lightly grease a casserole dish and pour in mixture.

9. Bake for 45 minutes, or until seafood is fully cooked.

10. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to oven until melted and golden.

Enjoy!