It’s that time of year! Fall is in full swing. When it comes to the best autumn dinners, it’s all about comfort food meals that are warm, cozy, and good for the soul to savor and enjoy with loved ones. Fall brings about change, and food is no exception. And let’s face it, you can’t go wrong with a quick, comforting casserole. If you’re looking for a hearty and filling meal for the season, local mom Lynn Heisler shares a delicious dish your entire family will enjoy.
Lynn has lived in Slapout, AL, her entire life, and she’s been married to her husband, Josh, for 19 years. They have an 18-year-old daughter, Kayden, who attends Faulkner University, a 15-year-old son, Karson, enrolled at Penn Foster online, and a bonus son, Julius Jackson, 19 years old, working as an electrician apprentice.
Lynn attended Trenholm Technical College and has worked in the dental field for 22 years. She received her Dental Assistant Certification in June of 2021. Lynn worked 12 years as an assistant, and in June of 2012, she graduated from the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program and obtained her registered dental hygiene license.
Growing up, her mom made three meals daily, and her family enjoyed sitting around the table, savoring every bite and bonding. She prepared several holiday meals yearly: New Year’s, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Lynn shares, “Our home was for family, friends, and food. We didn’t get together every Sunday as life was busy, but holidays were special.” Her mom inspires her to bring her family together for traditions.
The Heisler family enjoys eating dinner together at home four times a week. The nights they have dinner, they play Phase 10, Uno, or Dominos. Lynn lovingly shares, “I’m blessed to have children who don’t mind staying home and bonding as a family.” The mom of three admits she never had a passion for cooking when her children were young. Her time consisted of soccer, baseball, football, and being cub scout master for her son’s cub scout pack, 184. So, during that time, they ate fast food, concession food, and at their favorite Mexican restaurants.
As Lynn got older and things slowed down, she appreciated preparing meals in the kitchen for her family. So she started looking for new recipes on Pinterest. “I love browsing and finding new recipes, so we have different meals every night. I look for ingredients everyone likes, and by doing so, it encourages everyone to come to the table.”
A family favorite is Blackeyed Pea Casserole. Lynn has mastered this recipe, and she finds it to be ideal for the fall or holiday season. Lynn shared it will be on their Thanksgiving menu, as requested.
Black-Eyed Pea Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans black-eyed peas (do not drain)
- 2 cups cooked rice (used instant white rice)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 roll of mild sausage
- 2 cups of shredded cheese
- Salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook sausage on the stovetop until browned.
- Cook two cups of rice.
- In a large bowl, add rice, peas, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of cheese, sausage, and seasoning to taste.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into a 9 X 13 casserole dish.
- Baked covered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and uncover.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Enjoy the dish by itself, or add a side.
