rice is nice

Last week I taped a list on the inside of my kitchen cupboard door; 50 Ways to Make Rice. Last night we tried our fourth recipe, number 6. I thought it was good but it only ended up with one out of four stars. The other three on the panel were not impressed.

On Sunday I took number 32 to a friends house to go along with grilled chicken. Neither Jay or I gave it a star (it tasted too much like Spanish rice for me although the cheese was good). It still earned two stars as one person said they really liked it and several others went back for second helpings.

Number 36 and 40 were the first two we tried....both were exceptional and earned four stars.

The recipes lack measurements and instuctions leaving it up to the cook to determine the exact outcome. Referring to each recipe by number rather than a title makes me think of a joke my dad used to tell...you know, number 57.

So here it is....inspiration for your kitchen...

50 Ways to Make Rice Extraordinary

Source: USA Rice Federation
Here are 50 fabulous rice recipe ideas that take you from ordinary to extraordinary! Included are entrées, side dishes, salads and desserts-clearly illustrating how uniquely versatile this grain is!

1. Butter, lime juice and chopped cilantro

2. Wild mushrooms Sauteed in butter, thawed frozen petite peas and parmesan cheese

3. Diced tomatoes and basil pesto

4. Heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon and browned butter

5. Sliced green onions, salted cashews, toasted sesame seeds and rice vinegar

6. Dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced green onions and parmesan cheese

7. Red beans, coconut milk and chopped cilantro

8. Heavy cream, sliced bananas, chopped pecans and chocolate chips

9. Thawed frozen peas and chopped smoked ham

10. Grilled chicken strips cut into bite-sized pieces, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, provolone cheese cubes and balsamic vinaigrette

11. Chopped roasted chicken, toasted sliced almonds, sliced green onions and orange marmalade

12. Black beans, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro

13. Kidney beans, caramelized onions, sour cream and Asiago cheese

14. Crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chopped chives

15. Smoked gouda (cubed), smoked turkey breast cut into bite-size pieces, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, ranch dressing and chopped cilantro

16. Crushed pineapple, green bell pepper slices and chopped fresh mint

17. Fresh green beans Sauteed in butter and toasted sliced almonds

18. Scrambled eggs, chopped Canadian bacon and chopped chives

19. Orange segments, toasted sliced almonds and sliced green onions

20. Granola, vanilla yogurt and golden raisins

21. Mushrooms Sauteed in butter, and chopped, steamed asparagus

22. Cashews, chopped roasted chicken and chopped chives

23. Thawed frozen peas and finely chopped fresh mint

24. Butter, lemon zest and fresh lemon juice

25. Grilled shrimp, corn, crisp bacon bits and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil

26. Minced garlic and mushrooms Sauteed in butter

27. Fresh corn off the cob, chopped tomatoes and chopped fresh basil

28. Sliced kielbasa sausage and barbecue sauce

29. Sauteed okra and chopped stewed tomatoes

30. Navel orange slices, chopped red onions or chives and vinaigrette dressing

31. Steamed asparagus tips, toasted pine nuts, sliced red or yellow bell pepper and parmesan cheese

32. Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions and shredded monterey jack cheese

33. Vanilla ice cream and a dash of cinnamon

34. Scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, cream cheese cubes and sliced green onions

35. Yogurt and fresh fruit

36. Zucchini and carrot "matchsticks" Sauteed in butter, and parmesan cheese

37. Heavy cream, raisins, sugar and vanilla

38. Minced garlic Sauteed in butter and toasted pine nuts

39. Sliced apples Sauteed in butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and vanilla yogurt

40. Black beans, minced red onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped cilantro and vinaigrette

41. Sauteed chanterelle mushrooms, dried apricots and toasted almonds

42. Chopped fresh spinach, asiago cheese and toasted walnuts

43. Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries, heavy cream, vanilla and sugar

44. Currants and toasted pine nuts

45. Thawed frozen corn, mild green chiles and sour cream

46. Feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil

47. Finely diced carrots, thawed frozen peas, scrambled eggs, grated ginger root and soy sauce

48. Chopped rotisserie chicken and sun-dried tomato pesto

49. Grilled shrimp, lime juice and fresh pico de gallo

50. Grilled chicken, cut into bite-size pieces, and chile con queso