178. PARMESAN, BACON, RICE and SUMMER SQUASH CASSEROLE

serves 6


1 pound bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 small zucchini, coarsely shredded
1/3 cup sliced ripe olives

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook in large skillet over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper toweling. Reserve 3 tablespoons drippings. Return 1 tablespoon drippings to skillet; add onion, cook and stir for 3 minutes, until soft. Spread rice in an 11 3/4x7 1/2-inch baking dish; top with half the bacon and onion. Combine flour and remaining 2 tablespoons drippings in medium saucepan; mix well. Over medium heat, gradually add milk and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Stir in salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Pour 1 cup sauce over bacon and rice. Top with zucchini and olives. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; pour remaining sauce over top. Cover tightly with foil; bake 20 minutes, uncover and bake for 15 minutes, until browned and bubbly.


courtesy of: National Pork Board