Vegetable Dish

I signed us up to bring a "vegetable dish" to our ward's Christmas party tomorrow. I knew RIGHT away exactly what recipe I'd make. My sister-in-law, Amy gave me this great recipe book when Tom and I were engaged that had a lot of family favorites, as well as some of Amy's yummy finds. Ever since I made this recipe, I had been a staple in our home!

Spicy Green Bean Casserole

2 cans of french style green beans
2 cloves of garlic
Bacon (I usually fry about 6-8 slices) chopped up
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 t. paprika
1 t. chili powder
2 cups cracker crumbs
butter

Boil greens (in their liquid), 2 cloves of garlic, 2 T bacon drippings for 10 minutes.
Drain, but retain bean stock. Put beans and bacon mix in casserole dish. Heat soup and dilute with 3/4 cup bean stock (discard the rest)
Melt 3/4 cheddar cheese in soup mixture. Add paprika and chili powder.
Pour mixture over beans and stir well.
Sprinkle with cracker crumbs (or fried onions) and dot with butter.
Bake at 325 for 40-60 minutes

This serves 6-8
I normally put it a smaller casserole dish...I think its a 8x8...but for the party I think I'll have to double it and pile it into a 9x13.

I know its a "vegetable dish" and it contains meat...so hopefully any vegetarians in our ward won't be too upset with me....but MAN OH MAN this is GOOOOOOOD.