A Casserole with Deep Roots

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Pat Shaw (Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa)

This casserole connects directly to a congregation’s history—and to the care that sustained one family.

Included in a church cookbook decades ago, it now carries memories of love, support, and community.

Chunky Zucchini and Carrot Casserole

Ingredients

  • 4 T. butter 

  • 1 med. onion

  • 8 med. carrots (1 pound) peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices

  • 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup

  • 1/2 c. unflavored yogurt 

  • 1 c. (1/4 pound) shredded Cheddar Cheese

  • 1 t. salt

  • 1 t. pepper

  • Seasoned croutons

Instructions

In a medium-sized frying pan, melt butter over medium heat; add onion and carrots and cook, stirring often, until carrots are tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Meanwhile, cook zucchini in a vegetable steamer for about 10 minutes or until just tender. Set in a colander to cool. In a large bowl, stir together the soup, yogurt, cheese, salt and pepper until well blended; add the zucchini and carrot-onion mixture and stir to blend. Spoon into an un-greased 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Garnish top with seasoned croutons. If made ahead, cover and refrigerate. Bake, uncovered, in a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes. (if chilled, about 50 minutes) or until hot and bubbly. Serves 8 - 10. 

Story

Love of Christ recently celebrated 40 years. I remembered that for LOC's 5th year anniversary, in 1991, the Naomi Circle put together a cookbook. It was titled "Lift High The Cross." I still have my copy. Looking through, I remembered the faces and names of the ladies that submitted recipes and my memories from that time. I was a young mother at that time, with a critical ill baby. The Naomi Circle embraced me with their love and kindness. The ladies brought over meals and offered many prayers, along with their support.  I can still feel the love from that time when I open this cookbook.  This recipe of mine was included in the cookbook.

Brian FlatgardRooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment