America's Favorite Snack

"Necessity is the mother of all inventions" but some inventions are often invented by accident, as was the case with the potato chip. But first there was the potato. According to historians, it all began in the 18th Century when Thomas Jefferson was introduced to deep-fried potatoes while visiting Paris. He brought his delicious discovery back to the U.S. and had them served at a state dinner in 1802. The potato dish was well received and soon became a regular item on many restaurant menus. But it wasn't until 1853 that the potato chip (a.k.a. potato crisp) was created and quite by accident.

Controversy still surrounds the inventor of this tasty treat but legend has it that George Crum, a chef at the posh Cary Moon Lodge in Saratoga Springs, New York, prepared an order of French fried potatoes for a difficult-to-please diner who promptly refused the order, not once but twice, complaining that the potatoes were too thick and too soggy. Crum, annoyed that someone had the audacity to criticize his cooking, retaliated by remaking the order of potatoes so thin they could not be eaten with a fork and then preceded to fry them to a crisp in boiling oil. As the old adage goes, "Third time's a charm". Ironically, the persnickety patron loved the "chips" and the rest, as they say, is history. Today there are literally thousands of different types of potato chips making it the most favored, versatile and profitable snack food of all time. Although this savory snack has a tremendous global appeal, Americans consume more potato chips than anywhere else in the world at an estimated 1.85 billion pounds each year and over six billion dollars in yearly sales. This lucrative industry keeps over 65,000 people employed.

Thick or thin, with salt or without, seasoned, chocolate covered, deep-fried or baked, low-carb or low-fat, it doesn't really matter; Americans are loyal to the chip. The next time you crunch, munch or dip your chip, keep in mind that you will be eating America's favorite and oldest snack food; in 2003 the potato chip celebrated its 150th birthday.

In honor of the potato chip, March 14th has been designated as "National Potato Chip Day" but don't wait until then to enjoy this lip-smacking, mouth-watering treat; potato chips can be eaten at any time of the day for any occasion, as a snack food, a side dish or as an added ingredient to a favorite recipe.

YUMMY CHICKEN POTATO CHIP CASSEROLE

Ingredients

2 Cups of slightly pre-cooked Chicken Breast, cut in cubes or strips
2 Cups of Rice (White, Jasmine or Brown)
2 Tablespoons of Grated Onion
½ Cup Chopped Celery
1 8 oz. Can of Mushrooms or 1 Cup of Fresh Mushrooms
1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 Tablespoon Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
Regular or Reduced Fat Cream of Chicken Soup or Cream of Mushroom Soup
2/3 Cup of Regular or Light Mayo or Miracle Whip
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
¼ Cups of Water
3 Cups of your favorite Potato Chips

Directions

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees
-Combine the chicken, rice, soup, mayo, onion, celery, water and seasonings in a large bowl and mix well
-Spread mixture into a 9 x 13 lightly greased baking dish
-Layer the Cheddar and Parmesan Cheeses over the mixture.
-Add Potato Chips
-Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the potato chips are lightly browned.