Mushroom And Pepperoni Brown Rice Skillet Recipe

2 cups long grain brown rice
4 cups chicken broth
2 Tbsp butter
1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 lb thin sliced pepperoni
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In large saucepan, stir together the rice and broth; bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover saucepan and simmer slowly until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add the butter and mushrooms and cook over medium heat until mushrooms soften, then add the pepperoni slices and continue cooking until pepperoni crisps slightly; remove from heat.

Add the cooked rice to the skillet with mushrooms and pepperoni, stir to combine, then top with cheese.
Serve hot.

Will serve 4.

Monterrey Mexican Rice Salad Recipe

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup red salsa, (not chunky)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
4 cups cooked long grain brown rice
1 box (10 oz) frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 small zucchini, washed and diced
3 Roma tomatoes, washed and diced
2 green onions, washed and chopped
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1 cup finely shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese

In a large salad bowl, put the sour cream, red salsa, olive oil, and salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy; taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Add the remaining ingredients to salad bowl and stir well to coat with dressing.
Serve immediately.

Will serve 4 to 6.

Helpful Cooking And Kitchen Tips Anyone Can Use

You need a few basic fundamentals to be a better cook. You can check out this article for cooking advice that will be useful to you no matter what your current cooking skill level is. Read on and take note of these tips so that you can cultivate your cooking prowess.

A cool, dark storage area will preserve your herbs freshness for the longest period of time. The flavor of herbs and spices will be diminished if they are subjected to humidity, heat, or light. Generally, ground spices and herbs keep most of their flavor for a year. Whole spices usually keep their flavor for around 3 to 5 years. If they are stored properly, they will stay fresh longer.

When possible, complete all of the prep work in advance. You'll be glad you have your prep work done when it's time to cook. That way, when you're ready to cook, it takes some of the stress out of it, especially if you have a deadline to meet. You can save yourself a lot of stress by doing as much preparation ahead of time as you can.

Your spices should be stored in a place that is cool and dark. Your spices will not last as long if they are exposed to light, heat or humidity. Keep spices fresh by storing them away from light and humidity. If you use fresh spices, your food will taste better.

Always taste test what you are cooking to check the seasoning. A lot of dishes require you to season the meat with care. Never cook all of your meat immediately after it has been seasoned. You should cook a smaller patty first, so that you can make sure that the seasoning is delicious. This is a good way to find out if you got the seasoning right.

The longer the cooking process, the more nutrients that you lose from most vegetables. For nutrient preservation, saute, blanch or steam your vegetables or simply enjoy them raw.

This seasoning not only goes well with meat, but it can also work with other foods. It can add flavor to all manner of foodstuffs, such as scrambled eggs. The interesting flavor will leave everyone wondering what the secret ingredient it.

Whatever you may be cooking, using fresh foods is always better than canned, dried, or frozen. Use fresh ingredients as much as you can, because they add better flavor to your dish and tend to be a lot cheaper.

When you are grilling burgers, they sometimes lose their shape when they stick to your grill and become hard to remove. If, however, you brush the grill with oil, this will help prevent sticking.

As said preciously, there are some easy tricks you can learn to cook well. As with any other skill, it will come naturally for some people, while others will need more practice and advice. Either way, you'll be on the road to developing expert cooking skills after reading and implementing the advice in this article.

Sweet N Crunchy Rice Salad Recipe

3 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1 mango, diced
1/2 cup raspberry vinaigrette
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

In a large bowl, add the first 5 ingredients and toss to coat well. Chill slightly.

When ready to serve, toast the pecans by putting them in a dry (un-oiled) skillet over low heat, shaking the skillet until pecans are warm and fragrant.

Spoon salad out onto individual plates and sprinkle the warm pecans over the salad and serve while pecans are still warm.

Will make 4 to 6 salads.

Maple Walnut Rice Pudding Recipe

1 quart milk
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp real maple syrup, divided
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Put the milk and cooked rice in a large pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until mixture gets nice and thick, 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently.

While stirring, add 1/3 cup of the real maple syrup and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, stirring to combine well.

Now pour into individual custard cups or dessert bowls and allow to cool at room temperature.

When almost ready to serve, prepare the walnuts. Get out a heavy skillet and put it over low heat. Add the walnuts to the dry (un-oiled) skillet and heat until just warm and fragrant. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons real maples syrup to the skillet and stir to combine well. Continue heating until the syrup starts to bubble, stirring constantly.

Spoon walnut mixture over each individual pudding bowl and serve while walnuts are still warm.

Will make 4 (8 oz size) desserts.

Cook As Well As A Pro With These Cooking Tips

Some people don't like to cook and see it as nothing but a chore. Cooking can be very enjoyable. It's also a good step toward a more healthy lifestyle. Good cooks always attempt to find out as much as they can about their hobby or profession. The ideas presented in this article can help you to learn more about cooking.

If you are working on creating more home-cooked meals, try the library for cookbooks that offer a variety of easy recipes that will be fun to prepare. Focus on one recipe at a time and give yourself enough time to improve your cooking.

You should bake crusts for a longer period of time than you think. It will help if you achieve a darker, more delicious golden caramel color, rather than stopping when the crust is still pale. When you see the golden color it indicates carmelization, which lends a crisp, sweet flavor to the pie crust.

If you are preparing stir-fry, be sure to slice the meat on the bias and very thin. It can be a tedious, lengthy process. Remove the meat before it is frozen, but still firm, and slice it at 45 degrees against the grain.

Are you a fan of using fresh basil? Put some fresh basil into a glass. Add water to cover the stems. You can keep basil fresh for weeks on top of your kitchen counter this way. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh, and you might even see your basil leaves sprouting some roots. Plant the fresh basil in a small pot with rich soil to have fresh basil available at all times.

This can be applied on many other foods other than just meat. You can sprinkle it on scrambled eggs or on roasted nuts and seeds for a snack. Everyone will be wondering what your secret ingredient is!

There are many things you can do ahead of time to save time during your meal preparation. Check the recipe you're using to see if some preparation can be done without the partially prepared dish spoiling. You can prepare a lot of food the day prior to actually cooking. Even if you are faced with a challenging recipe, it can make everything go quickly.

Use airtight containers to store all of your spices, seasonings and fresh ingredients. Keeping food fresh and bug-free is simple with these containers. These containers are affordable and are available at most grocery stores.

When you are purchasing ingredients to make something read your labels. A lot of items you purchase at the grocery store will have a laundry list of unwanted substances in there. Select ingredients that have little salt or sugar in order to make the healthiest meals possible.

In conclusion, a great cook is constantly learning. One of the most enjoyable aspects of cooking is learning about the various techniques and interesting ingredients involved in creating meals. In addition, it provides you with the pleasure of teaching others the wonderful things you have learned. Cooking shouldn't simply be a skill that you learn; it should be a gift that you share.

Green Fruity Rice Salad Recipe

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 kiwi, peeled and sliced into thin crescents
1 green delicious or Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup shelled, roasted pistachio kernels
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3 tsp chopped fresh parsley
3 tsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Cook rice according to package directions, then allow to cool.

Put the cooled rice into a large bowl along with the kiwi, apple, celery, pistachio, onions, and parsley; toss together gently.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar and olive oil, then drizzle evenly over the salad ingredients and toss to combine well.

Cover the salad with plastic food wrap and put in refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes until well chilled.

Remove, toss again, and serve cold.

Will serve 4.

Italian Antipasto Rice Pot Recipe

1 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup tomato juice
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1 can (2 oz) sliced ripe olives
2 tsp fresh chopped parsley
2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, gently stir together the water, tomato juice, rice, basil, oregano, and salt. Put over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then immediately turn heat down to low, cover pot, and simmer gently until rice is cooked - about 15 to 20 minutes depending on what rice you choose.

Remove pot from burner and add the artichokes, red peppers, olives, parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper. Cover pot and let sit for 3 or 4 minutes to let heat through.

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Will serve 6 as a side dish or 4 as a main dish.

You can add some thinly sliced hard salami if you wish to more closely resemble an antipasto platter.

Are You Plagued By Cooking Problems? Get Helpful Advice Here

Have you ever wondered how they make delicious foods at restaurants? Have you ever tried to recreate a dish you had a restaurant at home? The tips provided in this article will help you figure out how to create your most-loved meals, as well as discover new favorites. Cooking can be a rewarding hobby for nearly anyone.

When you decide to cook with skewers there are a few strategies to keep in mind. If using skewers made of steel or metal, avoid ones with rounded surfaces and try ones with square or beveled designs.

Always store your spices in a cool and dark place. Exposure to excessive heat, humidity, or light will affect the flavor of dried seasoning. In general, herbs and spices that are ground will retain their flavor for up to one year. Spices that are kept whole can keep their flavor for about three, four or five years. When stored in the correct place, they will keep their freshness for longer.

You should bake crusts for a longer period of time than you think. Your objective is to cook them past the point of being pale blonde, to the point where they become a golden caramel color. This is because the golden color lets you know that the sugar from the crust has caramelized, which give it that sweet, yet crisp taste.

When trying out a new marinade or seasoning, test it on a small piece of meat before you cook the entire meal. Different meats including meatballs and meatloaf need to be seasoned carefully. Do not cook all of the meat immediately after seasoning. Instead, form a small patty and cook that first. Once you have tried your sample you can correct the seasoning or proceed with the cooking.

A must when cooking is the availability of sharp knives. Dull knives make it harder to cut and are more dangerous to use. If you use a dull knife you will need to exert more force to get the job done and run the risk of cutting yourself, whereas with a sharpened knife you can do your prep work easier and quicker.

When making food for someone whom you want to impress, stick to a familiar dish that you are confident preparing. It is great to experiment when cooking but you should not try to do this when you are trying to make a good impression. Avert a stressful experience and enjoy the occasion.

If you want crispier and crunchier French fries, then soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for a period of at least half an hour before use. When you soak sliced potatoes in cold water, it strengthens their fibers, so that they can stand up to the heat when being deep fried.

You have now taken the steps to become a great chef at home. Use your imagination to experiment with new recipes to make some delicious meals. The variety of foods from all over the world can spark your imagination and provide limitless options.

Indian Rice Lentil Bake Recipe

1 small onion, diced small
2 tsp cooking oil
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
1 tsp tomato paste
2 1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup uncooked lentils
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup pine nuts

Put the onion and oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until onion softens.

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stir, cooking for 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl, stir together the tomato paste, water, cinnamon, and lentils until blended well, then pour into the skillet with the rice.

Bring the mixture in skillet to a gentle boil, turn heat to low, cover skillet and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly oil or butter an 8x8 baking dish.

After mixture has simmered for 30 minutes in skillet, uncover the skillet and add the salt, raisins, and pine nuts, stirring to combine.

Now pour mixture into prepared baking dish, cover dish and put in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until mixture is bubbling hot and rice and lentils are fully cooked.

Remove and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Will serve 6.

Chilled Hoppin' John Rice Salad Recipe

3 cups cooked rice, chilled
1 1/2 cups frozen black-eyed peas, cooked, drained and chilled
1 tsp good brown or Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
3 tsp red wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
1 medium size onion, diced small
1 garlic clove, grated
1 large carrot, peeled and diced small
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In a large salad bowl, whisk together the mustard, salt, pepper, and vinegar until smooth, then slowly start adding the olive oil as you whisk, combining until a smooth salad dressing forms (emulsifies).

Add into the salad bowl the rice and black-eyed peas; toss gently until coated well with the dressing.

Add the remaining ingredients and toss again until mixed well.

Allow to stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, tossing once again just before serving.

You may spoon this mixture into lettuce cups if you like for a crunchier salad version.

Will serve 4.

Be Your Best In The Kitchen: Fast And Helpful Rice Cooking Tips

Many people think that they "can't" cook. They think that trying to make anything more complicated than a sandwich or macaroni and cheese will end in failure. However, there are many easy ways to make delicious and healthy meals. In this article, you'll learn how to use rice to prepare meals that you'll be proud to eat.

Rice

You can avoid sticky rice by removing the starch. To do just that wash the rice several times until the water coming from the rice is crystal clear. Remove all the water, and let the rice sit for 20 minutes. Adding a few drops of lemon to the water before cooking also helps to separate the grains.

You can make a quick and inexpensive meal out of some leftovers by adding pasta and rice to vegetables, meat or salad fixings. They cook quickly and are cheap, so use them to stretch the contents of your refrigerator. Toss in a few sauteed peppers or onions to make an even, fuller meal.

Cook perfect rice every time. When cooking plain white rice, follow these simple steps. Put 1 cup of long-grain rice into a heavy-based saucepan, with a pinch of salt and 2 cups of water. Put a lid on the saucepan, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook for 12 minutes. Check the rice at this point: there should be no water left, and small steam holes should have appeared in the rice. Replace the lid, and let the rice sit for 2 minutes. Enjoy!

To keep salt in shakers fresh and dry, add uncooked white rice to the shaker. The rice will absorb any moisture from the environment instead of the salt, and stops the salt from dissolving or caking. Rice is not noticeable in a glass shaker and is too large to be shaken out with normal use.

Make red beans, sausage and rice the easy way. Brown your sausage in a skillet. Add a can of red beans, liquid included, and then add enough instant rice to soak up the juices. Once the sausage is fully cooked turn off the heat and let the mixture simmer. It is a filling, low-cost meal that you can prepare in minutes.

When you are cooking rice make sure that you follow the directions to the tee! It is best when you are cooking the rice to put all of the ingredients in the pot and use the timer! Do not open the pot until your time is up! You will have the best rice.

Rice Cooking Tips

Don't throw out those small bits of vegetables and meat that collect in the refrigerator; use them to create a fried rice masterpiece in your wok. For drier rice, make it the night before you plan to use it or decrease the amount of water you use to cook it. Fry your meats and vegetables in some oil. Then add rice and season it.

Cooking isn't as hard as it may seem. If you take the time to learn how to cook, making great meals can be easy. Before you plan your next meal, take a look at the advice offered in this article. You may wind up discovering that you're ready to cook things you never thought you'd be able to handle.

Green And Red Beefy Rice Dinner Recipe

2 lbs ground beef
1 softball size onion, diced small
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 jar (16 oz) green salsa (salsa verde)
1 jar (16 oz) red salsa
2 cups tomato juice
8 cups cooked rice
1 pint sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Put the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring and breaking up until ground beef is no longer pink, browning slightly.

Add onions and continue cooking until onions soften, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the green and red salsas along with the tomato juice and cook for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees and get out a large casserole dish. Put cooked rice in casserole dish.

When skillet ingredients are done simmering, pour into the rice in casserole, then add sour cream and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Evenly distribute the Cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake casserole, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbling hot and cheese is melted.

Serve hot.

Will serve 6 to 8.

Golden Delight Rice Recipe

1 cup diced carrots
1 tsp cooking oil
2 golden Delicious apples, cored and diced
3 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup golden raisins

In a large skillet, combine the carrots and oil, put over medium heat and cook until carrots soften, about 5 minutes.

Add in the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring until heated through, about 5 minutes more.
Serve immediately.

Will serve 4.

Womens Health And Rice

 The Perfect Health Partners - Women And Rice

We all know women and men are different creatures; some may even argue different species. We'll leave that debate for another time and place. But, there is ample evidence that when it comes to nutritional makeup, the difference is highly defined.

A woman's need for specific nutrients to fight diseases is now well documented thanks to many in-depth studies. The focus has narrowed to three nutrients that have been shown to greatly influence a woman's health. These three nutrients are folic acid, iron, and fiber. Let's take a look at the concerns with these nutritional elements.

Folic Acid

It is best to begin at the beginning - the beginning of life, that is. Since the US Center for Disease Control's (CDC) mandatory folic acid fortification program went into effect in 1998, there has been a significant drop in NTD (neural tube birth defects) as well as the risk of early miscarriage due to folic acid deficiency.

However, even with the folic acid enriched rice, not even half of all women of childbearing age are consuming the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. Studies also show that even fewer women over 65 are consuming enough folic acid in their diet. The research indicates one reason recently may be the increasing number of women who are following a 'low carb' diet, effectively eliminating one very viable source of folic acid - rice.

Aside from pregnancy and the developing fetus, folic acid plays a role in the lifetime of a woman. Studies recently indicate that folic acid helps decrease the risk of stroke in women. Heart disease caused by high levels of homocysteine may also be helped by the addition of folic acid, which lowers blood homocystein levels. Recent research has also found a link between folic acid and the prevention of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Iron
 

As many as one in five women of all ages, and half of all pregnant women in the US suffer from an iron deficiency. When the body does not get enough iron, it can not produce enough red blood cells. Hemoglobin is needed in ample supply for the pregnant woman to feed and support the fetus as it develops.

In women of all ages, a shortage of iron could cause anemia. It is a misconception that only women of childbearing age may suffer from an iron shortage. Women in every age group need to consume enough iron to produce red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia may include general weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, inability to concentrate, and even shortness of breath.

Fiber

We know fiber is necessary for proper digestion, which helps reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. Now we also know that fiber is crucial for proper weight control.

People who eat a diet rich in whole grains (fiber) tend to have a lower BMI (body mass index) than people who eliminate grains from their diet. Having a lower BMI is not just about our figures; it's about our health. A higher BMI has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Women tend to have a more difficult time than men consuming enough fiber. One reason may be that women are more likely to follow diets that eliminate many foods that are believed to be high in carbohydrates. When examining a low carb diet, one must remember that we need complex carbohydrates for a healthy diet.
Eliminating ALL carbs is not good for us, nor will it result in lasting benefits. Whole grains are complex carbs, or 'good' carbs, and have a moderate glycemic index which may help control food cravings and sugar spikes.
So, what food can women eat to meet these three important nutritional essentials?  The answer is simple: Rice

A diet that includes plenty of enriched white rice along with brown rice provides these three building blocks that can otherwise be missing from a woman's diet. Just a few servings a day of white and brown rice will meet the recommended allowance for folic acid, iron, and fiber. Rice is low in calories, has no fat, and is easily cooked and paired with a variety of healthy ingredients to suit every taste.

Rice is a complex carbohydrate so it fits into even a low-carb diet plan. There are many varieties of rice from which to choose, so you will never get tired of finding new recipes to make for yourself or your family.
Yes, women and men are different. But who knew even our nutritional needs were something to consider?

Now that we know, I think it's time we took our health seriously. Fill your pantry with the 'superfood' specially designed just for women - RICE!

Easy Green Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe

2 cups cooked rice
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained
3 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh green onions, including tops

Put a large heavy skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and heat well, then add rice, stirring until light golden in color.

Add in the broccoli and peas, stir and cook until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.

Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, stir until ingredients are all hot.

Serve immediately.

Will serve 4.

Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup cooked turkey (or chicken), diced
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup half and half

Put the onion and butter in a pot over medium-low heat and stir until onion softens, then sprinkle in flour, stirring until flour turns golden yellow in color.

Continue stirring and slowly add in the chicken broth, cooking until broth thickens.

Add the remaining ingredients, remove from heat, stir, cover the pot and let sit for 5 minutes, then serve.

Will serve 2 to 4.

The Benefits Of Adding Rice To Your Diet

Trim Your Waistline With Rice

Through the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals who have jumped on the 'low-carb diet' wagon in order to lose weight. For many, this type of diet has been helpful. There is no denying that eliminating some specific carbs from your diet will result in weight loss. However, we repeat; "specific carbs." These are the so-called "bad carbs" that the low-carb diets warn you about.

With that said, there is some confusion over whether or not rice should be included in a low-carb diet. In fact, some may believe rice causes weight gain regardless of what diet a person follows.

Well, I'm here to dispel the rumors that rice is the culprit causing the increasing waistline and climbing scale numbers. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. Research has now shown that people who eat a combination of white rice and brown rice, are more likely to enjoy seeing a shrinking waistline and lower numbers on the dreaded bathroom scale.

The studies indicate that people who eat white and brown rice have developed other eating habits which contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The results show that subjects in the study who eat rice consume:
less fat, less saturated fat, and less added sugar; fewer calories from fat, and; more dietary fiber, more fruit and vegetables, and a greater percentage of whole and and enriched grains.These same subjects in the study also were more likely to have a lower BMI (body mass index) which is body weight relative to body height. The BMI value is not only a weight indicator, but a health indicator, as well.

The question now is, does adding rice to your diet ensure weight loss because eating habits change or is there something inherent in rice that causes weight loss? We believe the answer is both - rice consumers change their diet habits AND rice has nutritional elements that help in weight loss.
Let's take a look at a few reasons why rice may help you keep your weight down.

Feeling Full

Everyone who has ever been on a diet knows that being hungry is a definite diet disaster. Keeping your tummy feeling full means less midnight snacking and backsliding on the diet plan. Rice, especially whole grain brown rice, is loaded with fiber and is a very slow-burning carbohydrate. Even a half cup of cooked brown rice in the morning can keep you from visiting the doughnut wagon before lunch. A rice salad or rice soup for lunch will keep you on track all the way through to dinner time. Any diet will warn you about avoiding the empty tummy snack attacks, and rice does an excellent job of this.

Slow Burning Carbs

We mentioned the slow burning carbs in rice, but, aside from keeping you full, these 'good carbs' or complex carbs  also provide energy to help burn fat and build muscle.  The good carbs in rice also eliminate the blood sugar spikes that fast burning carbs, or 'bad carbs,' create. A diet high in bad carbs will keep that blood sugar bouncing around which not only causes that darn belly fat but may also create the beginnings of a dangerous diabetic condition.

Less Fat More Flavor

Rice is free of trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Rice needs no fat to cook and is delicious all by itself. Rice doesn't need a lot of sauce or additives. As a matter of fact, some of the best rice dishes are made by tossing simple, healthy ingredients together with the rice. A traditional stir-fry is a good example.

Hooked On Rice

Once rice is added to a person's diet, he or she sees how easy it is to cook rice and enjoy it on a regular basis. Now that person is hooked and rice becomes a part of their diet. The easier it is to throw together a healthy meal, the more often a person will eat healthy. And you can't get much easier than rice! Every time we add rice to a meal, we also enjoy the added 'feel good' benefits of serotonin, which elevates mood, creating more reasons to eat rice. We also reap the benefits of more than a dozen vitamins and minerals that rice provides, which helps our entire body feel and function better with every serving of rice.

So, what is the answer to the question; "Can I whittle my waistline if I eat rice?"  According to some very important studies, the answer is "Yes!" It sure looks like there are plenty of reasons to add rice to your diet when looking for ways to lose weight and feel better.

Crispy Baked Rice And Mushroom Patties Recipes

1 cup uncooked sticky (Jasmine) rice
3 cups water
2 Tbsp cooking oil
1 cup finely diced onion
2 garlic cloves, grated
8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms, chopped fine
2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Put the rice and water in a pot over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover pot and simmer for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Meanwhile put the oil and onion in a skillet and saute until onion is tender, about 1 minute, then add the mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together the parsley, dill, and salt, then add the mixture from the skillet and stir to combine.

Add the cooked rice to the bowl and stir until well combined.

Form the rice mixture into small, flat patties and set on an oiled baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes (turning once) or until patties are golden in color and crisped.

Remove from baking sheet to cool slightly before serving.

Will serve 4 to 6.

Variety Is The Rice Of Life

Get To Know Your Rice Varieties

When talking about rice varieties, we have to limit our discussion to what we call the 'short list' or the 'grocery store list.' Why a short list? Because the long list of rice varieties would get a bit crazy. With more than 40,000 varieties worldwide, we thought we'd keep our sanity by narrowing the list down to those we most likely could find in a store.

To begin, let's look at a few basic rice facts. Rice is a grain that grows in fields or paddies and has three edible parts; the bran, germ, and endosperm. Rice that has been milled and polished to remove the hull, bran, and germ is called white rice. Rice that has been hulled only, leaving the bran and germ intact is called brown rice. Brown rice and white rice are not actually species or varieties of rice, but are more accurately the result of a process.

Now that we have that straight, let's take a look at what we would most likely find on a grocery shelf in America when we shop for rice.

Brown Rice

This rice is usually considered 'whole grain' rice, basically because the rice was not milled, leaving much of the bran and germ intact. Only the hull is removed. Brown rice is available in long grain, medium grain, and short grain. Long grain brown rice will remain somewhat separated when cooked, while medium and short grain brown rice kernels will tend to cling together more when cooked.

 All brown rice has a light, nutty flavor due to the remaining bran. Brown rice offers more fiber and the nutritional benefit of the bran and germ. You will need more cooking time for brown rice than white rice, but the delightful nutty flavor of brown rice may be worth the wait.

White Rice

This is another generic term used more to describe the rice than to name a variety. White rice is processed to remove the hull, bran, and germ, leaving just the internal endosperm, which is white. White rice can also be purchased in long grain, medium grain, or short grain, but all cook up a bit stickier than any length brown rice grain. Enriched white rice has been added to American shelves since a severe shortage in folic acid was found to be the cause of birth defects. Other nutrients have been added back into white rice, as well.

Arborio Rice

This rice is sometimes mistakenly called risotto in America. The grain gets its name from a town in Italy where it is grown. Arborio rice is used to cook the dish, risotto, which is a very creamy dish created by adding liquid to the rice, stirring, then adding more liquid and stirring some more until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Jasmine Rice

If you cook any Asian dishes, you might know this rice. With a super sticky finish, this rice is perfect for dishes that need to hold up under a lot of ingredients. The texture is very popular in stir fry meals. The rice is also very fragrant.

Basmati Rice

This rice is from India. When cooked, it stays fluffy and separates. Although some may confuse it with Jasmine rice, they are not similar. This rice has an aroma, but it is not like Jasmine. Once you learn the difference, you will not confuse the two.

Converted Rice

This is a process which produces an 'instant rice' to some degree. The rice grain is steamed before milling, resulting in a shorter cooking time. This may be handy, but the nutrients are compromised during the processing. Any rice that has a reduced cooking time was processed to a great degree.

Of course, this just covers the basics of the rice varieties found on the grocery shelves in the United States. Since we know there are over 40,000 varieties worldwide, we know we are missing some important rice choices to enjoy. This simple primer should get you started, however, to find the best rice for your family's personal tastes.

Creole Dirty Rice Recipe

1/2 lb beef or chicken liver, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 Tbsp cooking oil
1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups COOKED rice

Put a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the cooking oil, and when it's hot, add the liver pieces and cook quickly until just browned; remove pieces using a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the green bell pepper, celery, and onion to hot skillet and cook until softened slightly; then turn heat down to low.

Add the liver back into the skillet, then add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stir, cover skillet and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Remove cover and stir in cooked rice, then serve.

Will serve 4 to 6.

Kid Friendly Rice Dishes You Can Serve Today

Three Easy Rice Recipes Your Kids Will Love

Creating meals that kids will eat without complaint can be a struggle, especially when trying to include healthy foods. For that reason, parents often try to sneak ingredients into their recipes.

Disguising nutritious foods inside of foods you know your kids will eat is one way to get your kids to at least ingest some vitamins and minerals. But, wouldn't it be nice to actually introduce your kids to nutrition rather than trick them into eating it?

One 'Superfood' your kids probably already like is rice. This nutrient-rich food has no doubt been on your family's table, and your child's highchair tray, since he or she could pick up a kernel or two and aim for their mouth.

But, I suspect that as your kids got older, they lost interest in that fluffy white pile of rice on their plate. Taste buds change and mature and now they want something a bit more appealing, and can you blame them? When was the last time you ate a pile of plain white or brown rice?  It doesn't exactly tempt the palate.
Luckily, for you and your kids, there are plenty of easy, fun, and tasty ways to re-introduce your family to the wonders of rice. And, you won't even have to hide the rice inside another food to get your kids to eat it! Here are a few fun and easy rice ideas to try on your family.

Chicken Pineapple Kabobs Over Rice
 

You'll need chicken meat cut into small cubes, pineapple chunks, either fresh or canned in natural juices, a can of natural pineapple juice if you wish, and other vegetables your child may like, such as grape tomatoes. You'll also need cooked brown or enriched white rice and skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes. The 'recipe' is simple. Cook the rice according to package directions, but substitute at least some of the water with pineapple juice.

Preheat your broiler and lightly oil your broiler pan. Alternate the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables on skewers, then brush the kabobs lightly with good cooking oil. Broil just until chicken is cooked through, turning at least once during cooking time. Serve the kabobs over a plate of cooked rice. This looks so grown up and tastes super delicious with the sweet pineapple.

Layered Arroz Con Queso With Beans
 

This dish is made by laying smashed pinto beans (or refried beans) in the bottom of a shallow casserole dish, then topping with a layer of cooked brown or white rice, and then spreading a layer of low fat cottage cheese over, and finally sprinkling a layer of shredded low fat Cheddar cheese or a mixture of cheese on top.

Cover the baking dish and put in the oven just until mixture is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and uncover the dish, then let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish is a cross between mac and cheese and nachos. What's not to love?

Rice Crust Pizza Time

For this recipe you'll just be making a pizza crust out of rice, then topping it with whatever your kids like, within reason, of course. You'll need about 3 cups of cooked rice and 1 egg for a 10 inch pizza crust. Cook brown rice or white rice, or a combination. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

When rice is cooled, mix a whole egg into the rice, smashing it together with a fork to combine well. Add seasonings if you wish, like oregano and salt. Form the smashed rice into a ball on a work surface and cover it with plastic wrap, then use your hands to press the rice mixture into a flat circle, pizza crust style. Place the crust on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees until browned nicely, about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool down.

While it cools, prepare whatever ingredients you want to top the pizza crust with. Add your toppings and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until all the toppings are nice and hot and any cheese you added has melted. Then remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy.

Most kids started out loving their little piles of rice on their highchair tray. It was fun to play with and even a few kernels found their way to the tummy. Finding super nutritious foods to get your kids to eat just got easier now that you have these simple ways to re-introduce rice into your family's diet. Give these dishes a try and then see if your kids can come up with a few ideas of their own!

Creamy Carrot And Rice Soup Recipe

1 lb regular carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium size onion, chopped
1 Tbsp cooking oil
4 cups chicken stock or broth, divided
1/4 tsp dried tarragon
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 to 3 cups COOKED rice (depending on preference)
sour cream for garnish

Put carrots and onion in a soup pot with the oil; cook over medium heat, stirring, just until vegetables soften.
Add 2 cups chicken broth, tarragon, and white pepper, turn heat to low, stir and simmer slowly for 10 minutes.

Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and pulse or process until pureed, then pour back into soup pot.

Add remaining 2 cups broth to the soup pot, then stir in the rice and put over medium heat and stir, cooking until heated through.

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving.

Will serve 4 to 6.

The Heart Health Benefits Of Rice

Enjoy Rice Every Day And Give Your Heart A Healthy Hug

Over the last 20 years, rice consumption in the United States has almost doubled. Perhaps this increase began as a way to stretch a shrinking household budget. Perhaps the rice growers in America got their message across that rice should be a part of everyone's diet. Or perhaps consumers finally found out just how versatile, delicious, and handy rice can be.

No matter what the reason, rice has definitely become a staple in the American pantry. This is a good trend, not only from the viewpoint of a homemaker feeding a hungry family, but as a person concerned with their health - to be precise, their heart health.

Studies focusing specifically on the relationship between consuming rice and heart health have shown overwhelming evidence that rice plays a crucial part in keeping our heart strong. Take a look at this brief summary to see how rice has become your heart's best friend.

Whole Grain Approved

Brown rice has earned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label of a 'whole grain' food. According to the FDA and the American Heart Association (AHA), diets high in whole grain foods, low in fat, and low cholesterol, have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Brown rice is an excellent addition to your whole grain foods.

Lower Blood Pressure

A diet such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan has been proven effective in lowering blood pressure. This plan focuses on nutrition strategies, including eating six or more servings of whole grains daily, specifically adding brown rice to your diet. Since just 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice equals one full serving, this is an easy way to take a healthy step toward fighting hypertension.
Folic Acid Friends

The AHA has linked low folic acid levels, along with other B vitamins, to heart disease and stroke. Without enough folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 in the blood, there is the risk of increased levels of homocysteine, which in high amounts has been linked to heart disease, sometimes fatal. Just one cup of enriched rice provides over 20% of the recommended daily amount of folic acid you need for a healthy diet.

Superfood Surprise
 

Much has been said about 'superfoods' such as blueberries, acai, and grapes, but we must remember to include rice in this category. As a matter of fact, whole grains such as brown rice are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Include rice in your list of superfoods to add to your diet and enjoy an easy, inexpensive source of nutrients.

Budget Friendly Nutrition

Speaking of superfoods, many homemakers look at the list of these nutrition powerhouses and shake their heads. Yes, some of these superfoods can put a dent in a budget. The good news is, rice is an affordable superfood option. Not only is rice loaded with the heart healthy nutrients and fiber we all need, but it is very filling. Consider adding a smaller portion of the more expensive superfoods to a larger portion of rice to take advantage of all the superfoods.

Most of us are now aware that rice adds important nutrients and fiber to our diet. We know that enriched white rice and whole grain brown rice can help reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. But now we know how very important rice is for a healthy heart. With the variety of rice available, it's easy to add rice to your daily diet. Stock your shelves today and give your heart a healthy boost!

Quick And Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

1 quart whole milk
1 pint heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1 whole vanilla bean
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup long grain white rice
1 large egg yolk, whisked
1 1/2 cup whipped cream topping

Put the milk, heavy cream, salt, whole vanilla bean and 3/4 cup of the sugar into a saucepan with a heavy bottom; place over medium heat. Bring just to a gentle boil stirring frequently. Continue stirring while you add the rice; turn heat to very low.

Cover the saucepan and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, just until rice is cooked (it should be soft but not mushy).

Remove the saucepan from burner and let cool at room temperature for a few minutes.

Remove the vanilla bean, then start stirring the mixture gently while you add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Ladle about a cup of rice mixture into a separate bowl and stir until room temperature, then, while stirring, add the egg yolk, combining it well, then add back into the saucepan with the rest of the rice mixture and stir to combine well; let entire mixture cool to room temperature.

Add most of the whipped cream topping to the saucepan (reserve about 1/8 of a cup) and stir to combine, then pour mixture into a broiler-proof shallow dish and spread the remaining whipped cream topping evenly over the top of the mixture.

Heat the broiler.

Put dish under the broiler and cook just long enough for the top to get golden brown.

Remove and refrigerate (uncovered) until chilled.

Will serve 8.

Gluten Free Diets And Rice

Choose Rice For Your Gluten Free Diet Needs

In the last decade, we have become increasing aware of a condition called 'gluten sensitivity.' An organization called the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has helped in spreading the word to the general public. Many consumers were unaware of this condition until they themselves, or someone they love, went through the arduous process of diagnosis.

Now, many consumers have found that a gluten-free diet is either essential to their health, or at least beneficial. According to the NFCA an estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, but this number is very likely much higher since a true diagnosis is still rare. Even without a diagnosis of celiac disease, it is estimated that over 20 million people are gluten sensitive to some degree.

But, let's back up a little and start with a basic question; exactly what is gluten?

Gluten is the protein that forms the 'glue' which holds together foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies, and is most often found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, gluten is also found in surprising places such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and some candies.

Think about any foods which need to be emulsified, or held together, and you quite likely could find gluten. As you can see, for those who are sensitive or allergic to gluten, there are many foods to avoid.

Here is where we find hope. Yes, there is a grain that is gluten-free and the least allergic of all grains. It is a grain that is easy to cook, versatile enough to use in many recipes, is high in dietary fiber, nutrient dense, fat free, and packed with delicious goodness. That grain is rice.

Brown rice and enriched white rice can be an essential food in every pantry - even, and especially, for those with gluten sensitivity. Instead of feeling denied, people who need to avoid gluten can feast on a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet, made with rice and rice products. However, do be aware that when you buy rice products, check the label. If the product doesn't say 'gluten-free' then the manufacturer has added ingredients for binding or flavoring that may contain gluten.

With that said, buying plain brown or white rice is always a good choice. There is no need to buy prepackaged rice dishes when it's so easy to cook up a batch of rice and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick gluten-free meal.

 Now you can grab cooked rice cold out of the refrigerator and toss it together with a mixture of vegetables for a fresh salad. Or stuff some green or red bell peppers with a rice mixture and enjoy a hot meal. You can even create a sweet and creamy rice pudding with fruit and berries for a late night snack or dessert.

Gluten-free living doesn't mean you have to sacrifice that oh-so-yummy-full-tummy feeling when a meal truly satisfies. That lovely feeling of satisfaction comes from the complex carbs that whole grains provide. Thankfully for those sensitive to gluten, and for all of us, rice provides those 'good carbs' that we need, all bundled into a delicious, nutritious, gluten-free superfood!

Whether you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or you suspect you are gluten sensitive, try adding gluten-free rice to your diet. You'll not only enjoy a new, wide range of rice dishes, but all the nutritious goodness that goes along with them!

Easy Baked Cheesy Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

2 1/2 cups COOKED brown rice
4 green onions, chopped
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp dried dill

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly oil an 8x8 baking dish.

Put all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake (uncovered) in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly hot and lightly browned around the edges.

Remove and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting to serve.

Will serve 4.

Taste The Nutritional Goodness Of Brown Rice

Enjoy Daily Nutrition With Brown Rice

When you stock your pantry with brown rice, you are not only filling your family's tummies, you are providing a food that rightly deserves the title 'Superfood.' Not only does brown rice provide necessary nutrients to meet the daily requirements for whole grains, but it's versatile and delicious, too!

We know that whole grains are considered one of the foundations for a healthy diet, and brown rice fits this need very well. The recommended allowance for whole grains is three servings daily, and with just one and a half cups of cooked brown rice, the three servings are already met! And, with the light, nutty taste and slightly chewy texture, it's easy to envision adding more brown rice into your meals.

Now that we have you convinced of the nutrition and goodness of brown rice, the next step is to stock up and start cooking. But, before you start cooking your first batch, let's take a look at a few other things to know about brown rice.

How to Store

Unprocessed whole grain brown rice has some natural oil, so the shelf life is somewhat shorter than processed white rice. Keep uncooked rice in an airtight container in your pantry for no longer than 6 months. For longer storage (and peace of mind), keep your brown rice in airtight jars or plastic food bags in the refrigerator or freezer.

If you cook large batches of rice for quicker meals, (and you should!) you can store it in the refrigerator for about four or five days before it starts to lose its texture and taste. For even better results, put your cooked rice in airtight containers and throw it in the freezer, where it will keep for about 6 months. You can reheat the cooked rice easily in the microwave or on top of the stove with a few tablespoons of added water. Or you can just add it to the dish you are preparing and it will heat along with the other ingredients.

How to Choose

There are several varieties of brown rice, each with different textures. Your preference will depend on how you like your rice to taste and feel. You'll choose from short grain, medium grain, or long grain brown rice. There are brown rice products now that are faster cooking, too.

An unprocessed, all natural, long grain brown rice will have a nuttier taste and somewhat crunchier texture. This rice is often preferred in hearty dishes and cold salads since it stands up to tossing and stays separated better than other varieties. Medium grain and short grain brown rice are more tender and will clump, making them a nice choice to serve with creamy or saucy dishes spooned on top.

Incorporating brown rice into several meals throughout your day is a great way to add whole grains to your diet. Here are a few suggestions for easy ways to enjoy the nutritional goodness of brown rice every day.

Breakfast - Keep cooked brown rice in your refrigerator for quick morning meals. Put some rice and milk in a microwave proof bowl and heat briefly, stirring several times. Add dried fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and let sit for a few minutes before serving. For egg lovers, put brown rice in a skillet and cook until just crisped up a little, then add lightly beaten eggs and scramble as usual.

Lunch - Add chilled cooked brown rice to any sandwich wrap you like for extra body and nutrition. For a hot lunch, put a small skillet over medium heat, add cooked brown rice and fry until hot and slightly crisp, then add any leftover vegetables, meat, or nuts and stir until heated through. Brown rice works well in cold salads, too. Prepare a bowl of fresh garden vegetables and brown rice ahead of time, then toss with salad dressing when you're ready to eat for an interesting twist on an old favorite.

Dinner - Stir-fry dishes are a traditional way to add rice to your dinner plans, but think about other ways to work brown rice into your meal. Remember, long grain brown rice works perfectly for hearty meals like soup, stew, and chowder. Consider making a brown rice layered casserole, or use cooked brown rice instead of bread crumbs in meatloaf.

Snack - Whether you are looking for a sweet or savory snack, brown rice can be used to create delicious snacking choices. Rice pudding with raisins and cinnamon is a sweet classic, but spicy rice patties are a great choice for your savory snack lovers.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy three or more servings of brown rice each and every day. From morning to night, this versatile rice just might be the answer to your family's nutritional needs, and all in a tasty way!

Bacon And Mushroom Wild Rice Bake Recipe

1 cup wild rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
8 slices bacon, chopped
2 yellow onions, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 ribs celery, diced small
8 oz fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 tsp butter, melted
1/4 cup beef stock
chopped nuts for serving

In large soup pot over medium-high heat, add rice, water, and salt; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover pot and simmer for 30 minutes.

While rice is simmering, fry bacon pieces in skillet until crisp; remove bacon to paper towel covered rack and set aside.

To the skillet with bacon drippings, add onions, green pepper, celery, and mushrooms, cook until vegetables soften; about 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a casserole dish.

Stir the melted butter, beef stock, and rice into the mixture in the skillet then pour the mixture from the skillet into the casserole dish.

Cover casserole and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until wild rice is tender.

Serve hot, topping with sprinkles of chopped nuts if you wish.

Will serve 4 to 6.

What IS Wild Rice?

Discover The Grass We Call Wild Rice

When adding rice to our diet, we may first turn to the rice that's most familiar to us. That is most often a fast cooking enriched white rice or a slow cooking long grain brown rice.

With a variety of rice from which to choose, there is never a shortage of interesting flavors and textures to try. There seems to be a rice for all occasions and taste preferences.

But one rice is in a class by itself. This is partly due to the fact that, although we call it rice, it's not a rice at all. This rice is called 'wild rice.'

Wild rice, or "manoomin," an Ojibwe word roughly translated to mean "good seed," is actually not rice at all, but is a grass.  Native to lakes and rivers in North America, the seeds from this grass have been harvested since before written history of the region existed.

Most of the wild rice we see today is gathered by hand in the exact way it was centuries ago. Pushing a canoe or small boat through the wild rice patches on a lake, the tall grass is bent over the boat and struck with a stick to dislodge the ripe kernels. A team may return to the same wild rice patch in a few days to gather the kernels that have since ripened.

Several steps are used to processing the kernels once they are harvested. The "parching" refers to the drying of the moist kernels. This may be done in a large kettle over a fire. The hulls are then removed from the parched kernels by "thrashing" which is done by shaking, jiggling, or even stomping on the wild rice kernels to loosen the hulls. Once loosened, the kernels are separated from the hulls by "winnowing" which is done by tossing the wild rice in a tray and allowing the wind to blow the brittle bits of hull away from the kernels.

Of course, modern methods of planting, cultivating, and harvesting have become popular. Wild rice is an ancient grain native to North America, but has only recently entered agricultural crop status. We all can appreciate the improved yield that this new technology has brought about.

The distinctive color of wild rice will range from very dark charcoal to dark brown. This difference is due to the treatment during curing and the ripeness of the wild rice kernels when harvested. There is very little difference in the appearance or flavor of rice from lakes and rivers or farms.

Aside from the color, the taste and texture is what truly attracts most wild rice fans. Even though wild rice is typically priced higher than other rice products, adding even a small amount to a rice dish is often enough to make a real impact. With its nutty flavor and 'toothy' texture, wild rice gives a delightful twist to any recipe, turning an ordinary rice dish into a culinary adventure!

Bacon Bean And Rice Skillet Recipe

6 slices bacon, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cups cooked (or canned) pinto or kidney beans

Put large skillet over medium heat, add bacon pieces and cook until browned and crispy; remove and set aside.

With skillet still over medium heat, add the onion, stir and cook until softened slightly, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, stirring constantly.

Add beef broth and water to skillet, stir, then add the rice and thyme.

Cover skillet, turn heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes depending on rice.
Add the beans, stirring to combine, and heat until mixture is hot; remove from heat, cover skillet again and let stand for 5 more minutes.

Uncover skillet and stir in bacon pieces.  Serve immediately.

Will serve 4 to 6.

Rice Cooking Tips

How To Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

There aren't many more perplexing kitchen tasks than cooking a perfect pot of rice. Whether white rice or brown rice, there seems to be an almost impossible 'sweet spot' between gooey, watery rice and light, fluffy rice. Is it the timing? Is it the measuring? Is it the pot? Is it the rice?

Whatever it is, we need to find an answer. Below are some of the tips we've found for getting your rice to turn out perfect each and every time. Let's take a look.

Follow the Directions

This just seems too simple to be true. However, the rice was processed and packaged by experts in that particular rice product. So, trust they know how to cook their rice and begin with the obvious; follow directions on the package to the letter.

Rinse the Rice in Cold Water

If there are additives, such as talc leftover from the milling process, you will remove it. Starch will also make your rice stickier than you want, and rinsing will help remove some of the starch.

Measure the Water

When it comes to the liquid-rice ratio, guessing isn't a good idea. You may need to experiment, especially if you don't have a package with instructions. Generally speaking, brown rice will require about twice the water per rice, while white rice requires a bit less. Keep in mind that you'll want the rice texture to work well with any dish you are creating. You'll want a firm texture for salads and a stickier texture for saucy or stir-fry dishes.

Keep the Boil Under Control

If you are cooking your rice in a pot on the stove top, as opposed to an electric, timed rice cooker, be sure to watch that burner. If you boil the heck out of the rice, you will end up with lots and lots of starchy water and sticky rice. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Fast cooking will break down the rice and turn your rice into a solid mess.

Keep the Lid On and Relax

Once the rice has simmered for the time required for the water to absorb, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, with the lid on, undisturbed for 5 minutes or more. If you uncover the pot too quickly to 'fluff' the rice, you'll find puddles of liquid which have yet to be absorbed. The rice wants to relax and absorb the liquid, so give it a chance.

Get an Electric Rice Cooker

When all else fails, or if you are just convinced you can't make a good pot of rice on top of the stove, invest in an electric rice cooker. These come in a variety of styles and prices, so shop around. Most do a good job of getting rice cooked the way you like it, but you do have to follow the instructions. You also have the added benefit of keeping a big pot of rice warm. This is nice for large meals or potlucks. If you are struggling with your rice results, this may be a solution for you.

No matter how often you cook rice, you want it to turn out perfect every time. It's disappointing to say the least to uncover a pot of rice only to find a puddle of water or a gooey mess. Try these simple suggestions to get your rice cooked just right every time!

Easy Bacon And Egg Fried Rice Recipe

4 slices bacon, diced
4 eggs, beaten slightly
4 cups COOKED rice
3 tsp soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas

Fry bacon in skillet until crisp; remove bacon pieces (reserving bacon drippings in skillet) and set bacon pieces aside.

With skillet over medium-low heat, add beaten eggs and cook (lightly scramble); remove and set aside.

Turn heat under skillet up to medium-high, add rice and stir-fry until rice browns slightly, add soy sauce, stir and cook for 1 minute, then add in the onions and frozen peas, cook for 1 minute, then add in the bacon and cooked eggs, stirring and cooking just until everything is hot.

Serve immediately.

Will serve 4.

Is Brown Rice Better Than White Rice?

The Great Rice Debate - Brown Rice Versus Enriched White Rice

There is no debate over the fact that rice is the most popular grain in the world. Over half the world's people depend on rice for a significant supply of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Rice also is an excellent source of 'good carbs' which provide energy to the body.

So, what's the debate? Ask a dozen people which rice is better for nutrition and you'll most likely get a split vote. Let's take a look at a few nutritional recommendations and then see which rice best suits those needs.

Get Your Grain

According to the USDA MyPlate guide, getting a good dose of grains each day is essential for our overall health. We know eating whole grains is beneficial in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, keeping us on track for a healthy heart. The phytonutrients in whole grains such as brown rice also help fight certain cancers, diabetes, and may help reduce obesity.

Whole grains are also complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, avoiding the 'sugar spikes' that bad carbs can cause, helping to prevent the onset of diabetes. Whole grains are also high in dietary fiber, a necessary nutrient to keep the digestive tract functioning well.

Get Your Folic Acid

This is a type of B vitamin that is essential for everyone's health, but has been shown to be crucial for the health of pregnant women and infants. Although folic acid can be found in a variety of foods, grains enriched with folic acid have played a very important part in the health of newborn babies.

 According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) since grains have been fortified with folic acid, the incidence of several serious birth defects has decreased significantly. Of course, folic acid is not just for pregnant women and their babies. Folic acid, along with other B vitamins, help build red blood cells, protect the cardio system, prevent anemia, and help fight cancer.

Now that we know how important it is to eat whole grains and get our folic acid, which rice, brown rice or enriched white rice, should we choose for ourselves and our family?

The answer is simple. Eat both!

According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should divide our daily servings of grain in half - half whole grains and half enriched. Brown rice and enriched white rice fit this guideline perfectly!

Brown rice is an excellent choice for your whole grain half. Just one cup of cooked brown rice provides two of the three daily servings recommended. Brown rice is 100% whole grain which digests slowly so it keeps you fuller longer and provides a healthy dose of the fiber and nutrients you need.

 Not only is brown rice a perfect whole grain choice for nutrition, but it tastes great, too!  Because of its nutty taste and slightly crunchy texture, brown rice is often used in salads as well as side dishes.

Enriched white rice is very versatile and is suitable in  many dishes. Serve white rice with stir-fry or in soups to stretch a meal nutritiously. Mix with warm milk and berries for a satisfying breakfast. Use white rice in breads or to make patties. The lighter, fluffier texture is often preferred by even the fussiest toddler, making mealtime much more pleasant, and nutritious!

Next time you go to the grocery store, don't stand and ponder which rice is better... stock up on both. Brown rice and enriched white rice both play an important role in your family's healthy diet.

Apple Rice With Lentils Skillet Recipe

2 cup uncooked lentils
4 cups water
1/2 cup fresh butter
2 carrots, coarse grated
2 onions, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
6 tsp flour
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp curry powder (adjust for taste)
2 cups water
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 cups cooked rice

Put lentils in saucepan with the 4 cups water, bring to a boil, turn heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Drain excess water; set aside.

In large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. When melted, add the carrots and onions and cook just until vegetables are slightly softened, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer.

Add the flour, applesauce, curry powder, and 2 cups water to the skillet, stir, turn heat to low, cover skillet and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, cooked lentils and cooked rice, stir gently, then serve immediately.

Will serve 4.

Want To Be A Better Cook? Read These Cooking Tips

Good food can mean many things to different people. Bring your cooking to a new level by using the tips laid out below.

It is extremely important to prepare your ingredients before you begin cooking your meal for a group. First, check that you have everything you need to get started. Get all of the items you need prepared the day before so there will be no rushing. Being prepared will settle your anxiety and ensure that you are ready to create a fantastic meal.

Add oil to the pan on the side so when it reaches the food it is hot. This helps to boost the food's flavor when it is done.

Here is a little trick that can help you save your sauce so that you can use it right away. Try mixing two tablespoons water and a tablespoon containing corn starch in a bowl. Stir this mixture into the thin sauce and it will thicken up. Be sure to add the mixed starch slowly, you don't want the sauce to get too thick.

Eat a piece of meat when experimenting with seasoning before cooking all of it. Many meaty foods require careful seasoning. Never cook your whole meal without testing the seasoning. Try making a little patty and cooking it first. This gives you the option of cooking the entire meal with this seasoning or altering it according to taste.

The process of boiling vegetables will remove a portion of their nutrients. Quick cooking methods should be used when cooking vegetables so that their nutritional value can stay in-tacked.

To make your French fries crisper, try leaving the raw potatoes in some cold water for half an hour before you fry them. When your potatoes soak up cold fluids, their fibers are reinforced. This means that they will hold up better to the heat necessary for the frying process.

If your burgers seem to be sticking to the surface of your grill, it may be hard to take them off without breaking them. You should brush a thin layer of vegetable oil over the grill before you begin cooking. This will keep the food from becoming stuck to the grill surface.

Sauteing vegetables in a small amount of chicken broth is a healthy and delicious way to cook. Not only does it lessen the amount of cooking oil needed as per a traditional saute, the broth adds an extra dimension of flavor to the vegetables. This method produces healthy and tasty vegetables.

When you are cooking pumpkins, first stand the pumpkin upright and then cut it in half directly down the middle. Lay both halves upon separate baking sheets cut side down. Sprinkle some water on each baking sheet to add moisture, then bake each pumpkin half in a 350-degrees fahrenheit oven for about 60 minutes.

When making a big dinner for family and friends, start the preparations for the meal the day before. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed on the day of the dinner. Before going to bed, cut up the onions and veggies or make your marinating sauce. You will be more relaxed and better prepared to cook the following day.

Food is a very powerful part of our lives. Take the insights you've been given here to elevate your standing with those who matter the most to you.

Cajun Rice With Andouille Casserole Recipe

1/2 lb Andouille sausage
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp (more or less to taste) hot sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire
1/2 cup tomato puree
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups COOKED brown rice
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Put sausage on broiler pan about 5 inches from heat element and broil just until slightly crisp, turning to cook evenly. Remove and set aside.

Turn oven to Bake, 350 degrees. Get out casserole dish.

Put remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.

Cut andouille sausage into 1/2 inch circles, then add to the other ingredients and toss to combine.

Turn mixture into a casserole dish, cover, then put in preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly hot.

Remove and let stand for 5 minutes before uncovering to serve.

Will serve 6.

Valuable Tips To Become Better At Cooking

Is preparing and cooking family meals beginning to fray your nerves? Do not let cooking tire you out! In this article, you'll find a collection of great tips that will help take the stress out of making meals. Utilizing the tips provided in this article will make you wish that you had learned about them earlier.

A cool, dark storage area will preserve your herbs freshness for the longest period of time. Their flavors will be weakened when they are exposed to light, heat or humidity. It is normally the rule that spices that are ground lose their flavor after they keep for around a year. Spices that are not ground can keep their flavors for 3 to 5 years. They can remain fresh longer if stored properly.

Texture and taste don't have to suffer when you are trying to lighten up your mashed potatoes. Cauliflower makes for a great substitute to help drop the fat and calorie content. The taste of cauliflower will blend nicely with the potatoes. Your mashed potato dish will also look the same if you add cauliflower, allowing it to retain its color and texture while taking the calories out of your potatoes.

Make your meal preparation go more quickly by preparing some of the ingredients ahead of time. Look over your recipe and determine which items can be prepared in advance and not spoil. There are a lot of things you can prep the day before you need to cook. In this manner, even complicated recipes become simple and easy meals.

The mushrooms will just absorb the water. So, in order to clean them, wipe off each mushroom with a clean, wet cloth.

It is not always easy to remember the proper grilling times for all meats. It's always good to use a high-quality meat thermometer to ensure you correctly cook the inside. If you are grilling meat that exceeds a thickness of 1.5 inches, closing your grill's lid can make better use of the heat and cook through the meat faster.

When you cook veggies, try using some chicken broth! It will keep veggies from getting stuck to the bottom of the pan and add a little flavor. Chicken broth is very inexpensive, and can be purchased at just about any local grocery store.

A great source of protein for your diet can be found in beans and tofu. You can find these ingredients easily and incorporate them to many different recipes. You can pan fry the tofu with a few seasonings to have a delicious meat alternative. To add some tasty protein to your plate, boil some beans with a touch of herbs for seasoning.

When purchasing ingredients for a particular recipe, read the labels. You will often find unhealthy ingredients in one of your cooking essentials. Do not buy anything that contains a lot of sodium, sugars or fats.

It can be overwhelming to cook for your whole family. Hopefully, the suggestions you have learned in this article will simplify your time in the kitchen. With these tips, you can make fixing a good meal a snap.

Tips For Cooking On A Busy Schedule

Anyone can cook if they put their mind to it. Can you purchase ingredients and read and follow a recipe? Does your kitchen have the basic necessities? If so, then there is no reason why you cannot cook! If you want to improve your cooking prowess a bit, read the tips we have gathered for ways to easily make tasty meals that your family and yourself will look forward to!

If you would like to start cooking more food on your own, take a trip to a local library or bookstore where you can find many cookbooks with recipes you can enjoy making at home. Pick out a few recipes to try and decide after it has been eaten if it is a recipe you want to add to your permanent collection. Be sure to be patient as you try these new recipes.

When cooking a large meal for a family gathering or dinner party, preparation is key. Gather all the ingredients beforehand. Prepare everything you need for cooking ahead of time; don't forget the utensils! Doing so allows you to focus on the cooking itself.

If you are cooking for an important event, it is a good idea to make a meal that you have made before. This is not the time for testing new recipes or new ingredients. Preparing a meal that you are comfortable with can really help to reduce your stress level.

People use apples for cooking many things during the holiday season, but the apples must be stored properly. Store them in your fridge or basement, in plastic bags that are loosely tied, as they tend to spoil in dry warm areas. Make sure you check them periodically, however, because even one spoiled apple can cause the others in the bag to rot very rapidly.

Regardless of what you cook, it is always better to use fresh ingredients as opposed to those that are dried or frozen. Fresh ingredients will give your dish extra flavor, and can turn out to be less expensive over time.

Garlic is delicious; however the pungent aroma will get stuck on your hands. To remove the lingering odor after working with these ingredients, thoroughly rub your hands on something made from stainless steel, such as the inside of your sink or the handle of a butter knife. It both cleans your hands and helps to avoid transfer the odor to other foods.

It's very frustrating to try to cook a tasty hamburger and see it deformed or ruined, because it gets stuck to your grill. Try brushing vegetable oil on the cooking surface prior to cooking so that food does not stick.

When preparing chicken stock, make a large amount. Make sure that you prepare a large amount of stock so that you will have more than enough to store and use for future kitchen adventures. There's nothing better than homemade chicken stock as a flavorful base for casseroles, stews and soups. Simply cool the stock, and then freeze it into Ziploc, heavyweight freezer bags.

You can cook as a hobby, skill, and as a profession. Because food can be prepares be made in so many ways, it is crucial that you follow the advice of experts. Consider these suggestions next time someone wants you to cook them a meal!

Quick Tips For Cooking Wonderful Meals With Ease

Learning how to cook is something that everyone should learn to do, no matter what the size of your family. You will be able to make better nutritional decisions and save money. You may find handy cooking tips at the largest or the smallest scale as you read the rest of this article.

You want to make certain you have the prep work done ahead of time. This will simplify matters when you are cooking your meals. That way, when you're ready to cook, it takes some of the stress out of it, especially if you have a deadline to meet. Begin your meal preparations as soon as possible to avoid last minute stress.

If you are going to make a stir-fry dish, slice the meat on the bias, as thinly as possible. This can take up much time and is also somewhat tricky. Take the meat out of the freezer when it is slightly frozen and cut at a forty five degree angle, do it across the meat's grain.

Making a meal for someone important, such as a romantic partner or a boss, is not the time to experiment with new dishes. It is great to experiment when cooking but you should not try to do this when you are trying to make a good impression. This will ensure that your cooking experience is stress-free.

If you wish to have crispy French fries, then you should soak the potatoes in cool water for 30 minutes and then fry them. By leaving the potatoes to soak up cold water, the fibers are reinforced. This makes it so when you fry them, they'll withstand the heat better and won't break down completely.

This type of seasoning can be added to all types of foods other than meat. It can add flavor to all manner of foodstuffs, such as scrambled eggs. You can cultivate a reputation as a mysterious wizard of flavor just by using a judicious dash of such seasonings.

Regardless of what you cook, it is always better to use fresh ingredients as opposed to those that are dried or frozen. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, as they make the food more flavorful, and they may cost less over the long run.

If you want the cooking process to be both faster and easier, prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Check recipes to find out what can be prepared ahead of time without risking spoilage. The day before the cooking happens, there can be a lot of prep work done. This can make it even easier to cook complicated dishes and make them more enjoyable.

They will act like a sponge and just soak up a lot of that water. Instead, you want to wet a clean cloth and use that to wipe the mushroom off.

Having the ability to cook is vital for your family and for yourself. Regardless of what type of food you like, cooking can enhance your life in so many ways. Drive through fast food may seem convenient, but for healthy and tasty food, you can't beat a hands-on approach to cooking!

Not Too Good At Cooking? Follow These Kitchen Tips

Even the most experienced master chef is always willing to learn new things about the culinary arts. Learning the best ways to prepare different kinds of foods can turn your cooking from average to spectacular. Get together a repertoire of your favorite tips and you'll be a huge success in the kitchen.

Slicing meat into thin even strips is easier when the meat is partially frozen. Certain dishes require thin strips of beef, chicken or pork. The tissues of partially-frozen meat do not tear and stretch as much; this makes cleaner slices possible. For the most even cooking, you should let the strips thaw before you cook them.

When trying a new seasoning for your meat, season one small piece and sample prior to cooking the entire batch of meat. A lot of dishes require you to season the meat with care. Never prepare the entire amount immediately after seasoning it. Section off a small bit and cook it. After that, you can either cook the rest or adjust the seasoning accordingly.

If you've made sauce, you should place any that is leftover in an ice tray and freeze it. When you feel the need to create another meal, you will have them handy to heat up. Sauce cubes made this way are safe and will taste great!

Cook your veggies in chicken broth! The broth will give the vegetables a delicious, warm flavor as well as extra moisture so they don't stick to the pan. Chicken broth is cheap, and can be bought anywhere.

Tofu and beans are great sources of protein that can easily be added to your diet. Most grocery stores stock these items. A delicious alternative to meat is tofu pan fried with your favorite seasonings. You can boil the beans with a bit of herbs to give the protein more flavor.

When serving salad to guests, leave the dressing on the side. Some people love dressing in great huge globs, while others like a lighter taste. Some folks don't like any dressing at all, (or are watching their weight) so leave the dressing of salads up to your guests. For an even more considerate touch, provide different kinds of dressings.

If you have a tight deadline to cook a roast, leave the bone in the piece of meat. Your roast will be done a lot faster because its bone transfer heat to your roaster. When the cooking is complete, just serve by cutting around the bone.

Never cook with wine you haven't tried. You risk the final flavor of any dish if you make it with an unfamiliar wine or one with an off taste. They make wines that can be used only when you're cooking food.

If you want to get a better hand in cooking, you have to use the advice and tips that are offered to you. The cooking tips described in this article represent examples of the type of information that can improve the way you cook for yourself, your family and everyone else for any occasion.

Learn To Cook Like A Pro With These Simple Cooking Tips

Do you enjoy all types of foods? Do you find sweets to be irresistible? Do you like food from different ethnic backgrounds? Have you ever wondered how to cook these sorts of meals in your own home? Fortunately, you have found a way to start learning. All you need to do is read and implement the tips in the article below.

Spices should be stored in a cool and dark place. Leaving your spices out will expose them to moisture and light, which will diminish their quality. Keep spices fresh by storing them away from light and humidity. If you use fresh spices, your food will taste better.

When preparing meals at home, you must use sharp knives for best results. Dull knives make cutting difficult, but in addition, they are dangerous. When you use a dull knife, you often have to force the blade through whatever you are cutting. Using a sharp knife is much easier and safer.

Before frying raw potatoes, allow them to soak for half an hour in a bowl of cold water; this will result in crispier fries. Allowing the sliced potatoes to soak up more cold fluids helps to reinforce the fibers that are in the vegetable, that way when they are deep fried, they are better able to stand up to the heat and won't completely break down.

If you want to reduce the amount of calories and fat in a mashed potato dish, substitute cauliflower for some of the potatoes. The taste of cauliflower will blend nicely with the potatoes. In addition, cauliflowers can blend into the same texture and color as potatoes, which makes cauliflower an excellent method of adding vegetables and decreasing calories from a mashed potato dish.

Is fresh basil something you cook with often? In a glass put a lot of fresh basil inside. With water you then want to cover the stems. Store it on the counter of your kitchen; it will stay fresh for weeks. If you keep the water as fresh as you can, roots will start growing. Trim or cut the basil regularly to encourage growth and you will be able to enjoy fresh basil!

Do not assume this ingredient is for meat only. You can use it when you roast pumpkin or sunflower seeds or in any number of egg dishes. You can cultivate a reputation as a mysterious wizard of flavor just by using a judicious dash of such seasonings.

By doing so, the mushrooms will absorb the water like a sponge. You should wet a cloth and wipe the mushrooms off, rather than soaking them.

A great source of protein for your diet can be found in beans and tofu. You can buy these in almost any grocery store. Try frying tofu and adding seasoning to replace meat. To add some tasty protein to your plate, boil some beans with a touch of herbs for seasoning.

If you apply the tips you have just read, you will be able to cook much better meals. Be adventurous by trying different sauces and spices. You may even discover a new favorite dish along the way. Find the chef within you by following these tips, as well as your taste buds, as you cook in the kitchen.

Gluten Free Waldorf Waffles Recipes

3 eggs, separated
2/3 cup sour cream
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup oil
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp white rice flour
1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp tapioca flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp potato flour
1/2 tsp xanthan gum

In a very cold bowl with cold beaters, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.

In separate large bowl, put egg yolks, sour cream, milk,
butter, and oil and whisk or beat until blended and smooth.

In another separate large bowl, add all the remaining dry ingredients and whisk together until blended.
Slowly add dry mixture into wet mixture, stirring to combine.

With a large rubber spatula, fold the beaten egg whites into the batter mixture until just blended - do not over mix or you will deflate the egg whites.

Heat your waffle maker and pour batter in as usual, cooking until light golden brown.

Makes about 6 to 8 waffles.

How To Boost Your Skills In The Kitchen

After you have gained an understanding of some of the basic concepts, you will find cooking to be a very enjoyable activity. By following some of this article's tips, you will have a new-found confidence in your cooking acumen and improve as a cook. Once you have the skills, the fun begins.

Save yourself some time and stress by doing prep work a day ahead. You'll be glad you have your prep work done when it's time to cook. Trying to prepare a meal without handling the preparation beforehand can get stressful, especially if you need to finish your cooking in a set amount of time. You can spare yourself a great deal of hassle by doing prep work in advance.

Preparation is incredibly important prior to cooking a meal for loved ones. Be certain that you have every ingredient you will need on hand. Along with the ingredients, you need to make sure you have the correct utensils for cooking the next day. This process will reduce your stress level and help manifest a more positive outcome.

Spices should be stored in a cool and dark place. When they are stored in the sun, they lose shelf life because of exposure. To keep your spices spicy and fresh, store them in an area that is cool and dark. This will help every meal that you prepare taste better.

Does it upset you to discard fruit that is moldy? Be sure to check apples occasionally because one bad apple will ruin all of them. No, it's not okay to remove the moldy parts. No healthy method of saving any fruit that is partly rotted exists. The mold may have grown deeper than can be seen, and eating it may make you quite ill.

Try adding cauliflower to your mashed potatoes to lower the fat content. Because cauliflower has a pretty bland taste, it blends well with the potatoes and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Additionally, cauliflower has the same texture and color as mashed potatoes, so it makes it an easy, healthy addition to your dish.

When cooking vegetables, cook them as quickly as possible to keep their nutritional value. Vegetables that are slowly and thoroughly cooked, are less tasty and nutritious than vegetables that are cooked briefly. A plus is that faster cooking methods usually yield vegetables which are, generally, simply better for you health. Cooking vegetables for only a short amount of time is essential.

Are you a fan of using fresh basil? Place a few fresh sprouts in a glass. Pour enough water in to cover up the stems. Put the basil on your counter and it will remain fresh for up to seven days! If you are sure to add fresh water, your basil will even form roots and become a plant. Cut or trim basil occasionally so it grows more and you get fresh herbs every time.

As was indicated in this article, you can pick up new cooking skills and enhance the ones you already have. With a little time and drive, you could learn these skills. You will become a real pro and feel right at home in the kitchen when you use the tips found in this article. Cooking can be a delight, if you have the proper attitude.

Gluten Free V8 Turkey Oven Baked Stew Recipe

2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium gold or red potato, diced small
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, grated
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 tsp rice flour
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
1 can (12 oz) V8 Juice
1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey (may substitute chicken)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a medium size casserole.

In a large pot, put the celery, potato, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and olive oil over medium heat and cook until veggies are softened.

Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the turkey.

Stir and cook until bubbling hot.

Add the turkey, stir, then pour mixture out into casserole, cover, and put in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove and let stand a few minutes before removing cover. Serve hot in big bowls.

Hate To Cook Then Check Out These Home Cooking Tips!

No matter how skilled you may be in cooking, it is a skill where there is always room for improvement. Even professional cooks could learn some new advice, in order to assist them in the kitchen, and make the experience more fun. A few basic tips can make cooking much easier, if you are just getting started. You should read all the information provided in this article so you are able to learn more things about cooking.

Prepare to cook before you actually start cooking. Do not start cooking until the prep work is done. When you need to create a meal within a certain amount of time it can be stressful. By doing all of your preparation in advance, you avoid the stress and just enjoy your meal.

Give pie and tart crust a little longer baking time than you normally would for the best results. Go past the usual pale tan color and take them to a caramel gold. This deeper color is evidence that the sugar has caramelized in the crust for added sweetness.

If you are making a meal for someone that you want to make a good impression on, be sure to make something you know how to make well. You should not try to cook something new when you are cooking for someone whom you want to impress. This will allow for an easier cooking process.

Are you using fresh basil to cook with? Fill an empty glass with fresh basil. Now fill the glass with water to just above the stems. Put the basil on your counter and it will remain fresh for up to seven days! The basil may even start growing roots if you change out the water regularly. Cut or trim basil occasionally so it grows more and you get fresh herbs every time.

Garlic may be a tasty addition to your meals, but the smell that stays on your hands is a bit of a downside. To get rid of this odor, or any other strong cooking smell, rub your hands on the inside of your stainless steal sink. This will take care of the odors clinging to your hands and enable you to handle other ingredients without contaminating them with strong aromas.

If you want to begin losing weight and improving your diet, you should reduce or eliminate the amounts of cooking oils that you use. Many oils and butters have a high concentration of fat. Using cooking spray instead of oils will be a much healthier option.

If you are looking for a nutritionally beneficial way to cook your vegetables, try sauteing them in a small amount of chicken broth. The broth will add to the flavor of the vegetables and cut back on the amount of oil that is typically needed to saute them. This is an easy, delicious way to prepare veggies for you meal.

Even seasoned cooks can use new tips to ease their cooking process. It is important to learn as much as possible when you are a new cook. Try putting these tips to work for you in your own kitchen to expedite, improve and enjoy cooking even more.

Gluten Free 3 Cheese Beef Lasagna Casserole Recipe

1 lb ground beef
2 large eggs
1 (24 oz) jar favorite gluten-free marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning blend
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and get out a small casserole dish.

Put the ground beef in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until well browned. Remove and set aside to cool.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, then stir in the marinara sauce until well blended, then add the cooled beef and stir to combine. Spoon this mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.

Add the Italian seasoning blend to the ricotta cheese, mix well, then spread the mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.

Cover the ricotta evenly first with the Parmesan and then with the Mozzarella.

Bake in preheated oven (uncovered) for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbling hot and browned around the edges.

Remove and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Great Cooking Tips When It Comes To Preparing Meals At Home

You can always learn new things about cooking, despite just being used for your family. Knowing the right methods and techniques could turn ordinary or bland meals into spectacular feasts you will be remembered for. Use these tips and make some great food in your kitchen.

There are a few things you need to know if you are considering cooking with skewers. Squared or twisted metal skewers secure the food better than rounded ones.

If you have decided that you might like to cook more food at home, look for a great book that can help you. These books can be found in many places: the library, online or even a family member. Try making three or four of the recipes that appeal to you the most, and give yourself plenty of time to perfect your newly acquired skill.

You can save the sauce if you use the following information. Mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this solution into your simmering thin sauce until it thickens. Add your starch solution slowly to ensure just the right consistency.

A lot of people cook with apples during fall and winter, but they will spoil rather quickly if you don't store them correctly. When exposed to dry, warm air, the apples will rot. To prevent this, apples should be stored in plastic bags and placed in the fridge or perhaps a basement. Sort your apples carefully before storing them, as one bad apple will end up spoiling the rest.

Give pre-cut, raw potatoes a cold water bath for a half-hour prior to frying for crispier French fries. The potatoes need to soak because the fibers will be reinforced through the cold fluids which in turn makes them fry better. They can handle the heat and not break apart completely.

You can use it on other types of food besides meat. Try roasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled with the seasoning for a tasty snack or mix it in your scrambled eggs. Your guests will be clamoring to know the secret to your delicious food.

Whatever you may be cooking, using fresh foods is always better than canned, dried, or frozen. Use any fresh ingredients that are available. They are not only tastier in general, but they also tend to be cheaper, as well.

Complete many steps when cooking something ahead of time. Examine recipes and identify which preparations can take place well in advance without risking spoilage. Do the prep work the day before. This takes a lot of the stress out of even the most complicated recipes and dishes.

Mushrooms absorb large amounts of water, and this excess water will go into whatever you are cooking with. Instead, get a wet, clean cloth and wipe off the mushroom by hand.

When you plan on using wooden skewers for cooking, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking. By soaking, you can prevent the skewers from burning while cooking your food. To prevent food from falling from the skewers, use two parallel skewers rather than just one.

To improve your cooking skills, it is important that you learn as much as you can. Delight your friends, and family by utilizing the tips from this article the next time you prepare a meal.