Hawaiian Haystacks

In order to marry Randy, this was one of the recipes I had to learn to make (homemade spaghetti sauce was another one).  I'm glad I did because it's a very filling meal, but not so heavy that you feel like you have to lay on the couch the rest of the evening.  Another plus to this meal is that you can cater to everyone's likes since they choose what toppings they like.  It's a win-win for everyone!

I know you could go to the store and buy some jarred gravy to use, but trust me, this version of the gravy taste so much better!  Try it, I know you will like it!  The gravy makes a lot, however it freezes really well so we are able to make several meals from it.  For the gravy, there really isn't a science to it (or the entire recipe for that matter--make enough rice and toppings to feed your family).  I normally start with 3 cans of soup, then add the broth and chicken, and heat the gravy up and see what the consistency is at.  If it looks like it needs to be thicker, I add some more cream of chicken soup until it's at the consistency I like.  We like ours thinner rather than thicker.

Hawaiian Haystacks
4-6 Cooked chicken breast shredded/cut up (boiling the chicken is easy)
32 oz. container of Chicken Broth
3-4 10oz. Cream of Chicken soup
Dash of black pepper
Rice
Chinese noodles
Coconut
Pineapple tidbits
Grated cheese
Diced green pepper
Diced tomatoes
Diced mushrooms
Slivered almonds
Cranberries
Any other toppings that sound good to you!

In a large pot add three cans of cream of chicken soup, the container of chicken broth, and cooked chicken together.  Heat to a boil and check the consistency.  If it seems too thin, add some more cream of chicken soup or vice versa.  Once you have it at the consistency you like, add black pepper, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Serve everything over rice.  Hint: We put the rice on the plate first and put all the topping over it with the gravy on top so that it melts the cheese.  Enjoy!

History:  This recipe was given to me from my mother in law, Cindy

Hawaiian Haystacks topped with the gravy.