Cooking with Nonnie – Asparagus Casserole

ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE

Welcome to our next collaboration with Nonnie, my mom. Jessica’s mood in this video reflects lots of things, being contrary is the main one. Jess announces early in this video that Asparagus Casserole is not her favorite. Plus, she would rather jump right into making the banana pudding. However, on this particular day, it was more than food related. The bigger picture is that Jess has moments, days, even weeks where she struggles.

But we don’t simply let her give up and walk away without a fight.

We keep cheering her on. We remind her of her ultimate motivations. This is why it is so important to have big overarching motivators, like the the idea of being semi-independent in the future, or the dream of becoming a nurse one day. Achieving those things will require tons of work and progress, which makes them the perfect goals to always remind her of when we are helping her through difficult processes.

Let me highlight a few things that she struggles with in this video.

First of all, she can’t see the strainer in the sink and is afraid to empty the contents of the can of asparagus into the sink.

Also, Jessica has impaired fine motor skills. In this example, Jessica is not able to hold a can in one hand and with the other hand use a spoon to empty out the contents.

Another thing Jessica always struggles with is tactile defensiveness. You will see her head to the sink to wash her hands each time she gets anything on them. Sometimes, simply the fear of getting something on her hands will stop her from even making an attempt.

The Favorite Parts

Jessica’s favorite part of making this and many other casseroles is sneaking ritz crackers into her mouth. Another favorite part is crunching up the crackers to use as the topping of the casserole.

The ultimate favorite is eating, of course.

RECIPE

Asparagus Casserole

Bake at 350°F  for 30 minutes

1 can asparagus tips
1 10½ oz can cream of mushroom soup
½ can water (use soup can)
½ can evaporated milk (use soup can)
Pinch of garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar
Ritz® crackers – Enough to line casserole dish and a little extra to sprinkle on top
Butter to drizzle on top

Mix soup, water, and milk. Heat in microwave for 2 minutes. Add garlic. Line casserole with whole Ritz® crackers about 1 layer deep. Add asparagus. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover with soup mixture.

Lightly sprinkle with crushed Ritz® crackers. Drizzle butter on top.

Bake at 350°F  for 30 minutes

MORE COOKING VIDEOS

Cooking with Nonnie – Banana Pudding
Cooking with Nonnie – Squash Casserole
Making Biscuits & Gravy – Video
Making Christmas Cookies – Video
Jess Makes Brownies – Video
Jess Makes a Cake – Video

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