I made this broccoli rice bake this weekend and couldn’t stop thinking of Mom while I did. It’s a dish very similar to one that she used to make although I’m sure she used Campbell’s cream of mushroom in hers. It just made me realize once again that so much of what I cook is rooted in memories of her and in my childhood. Oh what an amazing influence my beautiful Mother has had on me and what a gift she still remains to me❤️❤️ This could be a side dish or add in a handful or 2 of cooked chicken and eat it as a main. . . Broccoli Rice Cheesy Bake 7 cups broccoli florets and the stems cut into pieces, steamed slightly (you don’t want it to soft)
2 cups cooked white rice 1 tbls olive oil 
3 tbls butter
1 medium sized onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 
1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbls cream cheese, cut into cubes 
2 cups shredded cheddar/divided Preheat oven to 400F.
in a large heated skillet, ...