Savory Sausage Rice - Simply the Holidays

2 lbs. Bulk pork sausage

2 ½ cup coarsely chopped celery

1 cup finely chopped green pepper

¾ cup chopped onion

2 (2 ⅛ ounce) packages chicken noodle soup mix

4 ½ cup boiling water

1 cup regular rice

1 cup blanched slivered almonds

¼ cup melted butter

Lightly brown sausage in Dutch oven; pour off excess fat. Add celery, green pepper and onion; saute until tender.

Combine soup mix and boiling water in 3 quart saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Add rice mixture to sausage; stir well. Pour into greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds and drizzle with butter. Bake in 375 degree oven 20 minutes or until hot. Makes 10 servings.