Survival Potatoes

aka Funeral Potatoes. We renamed them Survival Potatoes. Last year after our cousin was stabbed on Christmas Eve and survived a terrible act of violence, we threw a family party for him after he recovered. He requested Funeral Potatoes for the dinner, so we decided to call them Survival Potatoes! In the LDS faith, the Relief Society organization prepares a funeral luncheon for the deceased ones family. These potatoes are well known to anyone who has prepared or partook of this compassionate service. One of my all-time favorite casseroles {preferably not at a funeral, though}. I loved dinner time when my mom made this casserole. Sometimes I crave it and have to make it. They are also a family tradition for Christmas and Easter dinner.

12 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled in water till firm, but tender about 15 minutes; drain and cool.
Or to save time, you can use a 30 oz. frozen bag of shredded hash browns, thawed, instead
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 c. onion, diced (optional)
1 1/2 c. cheese
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 c. crushed ritz crackers

Place potatoes in a greased 9 x13 casserole dish. In a bowl, combine soup and sour cream. Add salt, pepper, and cheese. Blend well. Scoop over potatoes and mix well. Mix butter and crushed crackers. Place evenly on top. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 45-50 minutes, if potatoes aren't quite thawed all the way. Instead of cracker crumbs you can just sprinkle cheese on top. Bake additional 10 minutes. {Ham, chicken, broccoli etc. can be added as well}