Hawaiian Haystacks

My kids love this meal because they get to build their own haystack with just the items they like. I love it because it is so easy, quick and versatile. The only thing you have to cook is the chicken, rice and the "gravy". Everything else comes straight out of the can or fridge. If you have left over chicken from some other meal, this will only take the 20 minutes for the rice because you can prepare everything else while the rice is cooking. Even if you need to cook the chicken, you can have everything cooking at the same time and do it in about 20 minutes.

Hawaiian Haystacks

* 4 cups seasoned chicken broth
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 2 to 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken or turkey
* 4 cups hot cooked brown (or white) rice (brown being a healthier choice)
* chopped tomatoes
* 1 10-ounce package frozen petite peas, thawed (but not cooked)
* celery, finely diced
* 1 green pepper, chopped
* 1 to 2 green onions, sliced
* 1 8-ounce can unsweetened crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits
* 1/2 cup slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
* 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
* 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
* 1-2 cups Chinese noodles (optional)
* 1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
* (I have also added sliced bamboo, baby corn, snow peas. You can use whatever you have on hand, or whatever looks good to you in the grocery store.)

1. Put the rice on to cook according to the package directions. Meanwhile, combine broth and cornstarch. Cook it until thick and clear, stirring occasionally.

2. While the "gravy" is cooking, place your toppings in bowls ready to serve. When the gravy is thick and clear, add the chicken.

3. Let your family build the haystack starting with rice on the bottom, then the chicken mixture, followed by whatever toppings you want. Below you can see that we only had half the topping choices last night. :) I like the mixture of the hot chicken with the cold peas and pineapple.