Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

I got this recipe from My Kitchen Cafe http://www.melskitchencafe.com/ (I LOVE that website, by the way.) It was absolutely delicious, and tasted healthy and hearty. Greg and Hunter both loved it. I was so pleasantly surprised to see Hunter glady eating broccoli!

2 slices white bread

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

4 TB melted butter

1 garlic clove, minced

Use blender or food processor to make bread crumbs. Set aside.

2 lbs broccoli (about 3-4 medium heads) florets cut in 1 inch pieces, stalks diced

1 onion, chopped

2 TB butter

1 1/4 c rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 1/4 cup half and half

1 tsp salt

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (I didn't have this so I just used regular pepper)

Cook broccoli florets in a bowl, covered, in microwave for 2-3 min, or until bright green and tender (no need to add water). Set aside.

Melt butter in large pot. Cook stems and onion until soft- about 8-10 minutes. Add rice. Cook til translucent, about 1 min, stirring constantly. Add broth, half and half, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 20-25 min, until rice is tender. Add remaining ingredients.

Pour into a buttered 9x13 in pan. Sprinkl with bread crumbs. Cook in middle rack of preheate 400 oven. Cook for 15 min, until sauce is bubbly and top is golden brown. YUM!