Snow on Top of the Mountain

True Confession: I'm almost as nervous to post this recipe as I was the first time I served it to guests. It's unique, but I promise, it's delicious!

I had had it several times in different places and finally decided to make it myself. It was a hands-down hit! People are usually shocked by how good it is because when they look at the combination of ingredients on the table it seems hard to believe, but even the most die hard skeptics have changed their tunes once the food hits their mouths. It has just the right amounts of sweet, salty and crunchy!

Here's what you'll need for 6-8 people:

4-5 cups white rice
1 Family size can cream of chicken Soup
2 cans evaporated milk
1-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2-3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
1-2 cups celery, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 cup almonds, slivered
1 large can chunk pineapple, drained
1 can olives, sliced and drained
2 cups chow mien noodles
1/2 bag sweetened shredded coconut
curry, to taste

Curious yet? Here's what you do:

Cook rice as per directions. In large saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken and evaporated milk (I usually add the curry to this mixture because we like curry, but you can also serve it on the side for those who don't). Simmer on low, stirring occasionally.

Divide remaining ingredients into individual bowls. Now you're ready to serve (and yes, it really was that easy!). Start with a bed of rice on each plate and add a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture.
Then let your guests go crazy building their own mountain. I usually suggest starting with the cheese so it melts a little and the 'snow on top' is the coconut, otherwise the order doesn't matter.

And there you have it: Snow on Top of the Mountain! We have served this for family gatherings, church functions and get togethers with friends. It's most fun when people ask what they can bring and I tell them something like "how about a can of olives and chow mien noodles?" Umm, what? Even the pickiest eaters love it because they make their own mountains with the ingredients they like.

I usually add rolls and green salad for side dishes, but it isn't really necessary.

Whew I did it! I exposed our craziest meal idea. Although this is a family favorite (and Mom likes it because it's done in 15 minutes on nights when we're crunched for time), I do serve 'regular' food occasionally.