Rice Californian

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, crisply fried (reserve 1 tablespoon drippings)
• 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms washed
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1 can (8oz.) tomatoes
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 1/4 cups uncooked instant rice

Directions

1. Saute' celery and mushrooms in bacon drippings.
2. Combine water, tomato, soup mix and cheese into a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish. Stir in bacon, mushrooms, celery and uncooked rice.
3. Cover and bake at 375º for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and continue baking, uncovered, until cheese melts and is lightly browned.