Frugal Moms: bad, but oh so good, Funeral Potatoes recipe

My best friend Stephanie introduced me to "funeral potatoes" years ago when I needed a side dish to bring for a potluck. The recipe had been handed around in her family and was a popular dish to make for a funeral luncheon. Ok, I know, you are probably thinking we are some morbid girls who need to get a life. But thats ok. Think whatever you want, just keep reading for this wonderful recipe. :) By the way, the name Funeral Potatoes has stuck with this recipe. Thats just what we call them.

The potatoes were a hit at the potluck! I have went on to serve them at holiday meals, parent teacher conferences, and to my family for dinner. The funniest part of all is that (until now) I NEVER write this recipe down, I always call Stephanie to get the ingredients. Yesterday, while shopping at the grocery store for dinner, I noticed hash browns on sale. Ding Ding Ding....Funeral Potatoes! So standing in the frozen food isle, I dial up Stephanie on my blackberry and start throwing ingredients in the cart. Here is what you need.

1 pound bag of frozen hash browns

1 small can of cream of chicken soup

1 16oz container of sour cream

bag of sharp cheddar cheese
3 TBS margarine melted

smashed cornflakes or plain chips to sprinkle on top

1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)

salt & pepper as needed

Combine soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt & pepper in a bowl & mix it up really good.

Add in hash browns, stir it all together.

Spread in a 9x13 greased dish

Cover in cheese & crushed cornflakes

Bake at 350 for 55 minutes

WARNING: the smell is going to drive you absolutely crazy

Here is a picture of the finished Funeral Potatoes. I have to be honest, this picture does not do this recipe justice. If I could take a picture of the smell, your mouth would be watering all over your shirt.

A few side notes for you: My pickiest eater ate 1 serving of this, she loved it. I have the word frugal in the title because I ONLY buy the ingredients for this recipe, if they are on sale or I have a coupon. Did I mention that these taste wonderful?

Happy Friday!