I decided it was time for a face lift here on the site. Nothing like a new outfit to make us feel better! That's a chick thing for real. We had a wonderful weekend and have been busy working on the next series. It's still a secret but will be a wonderful one! I am excited about it. Sorry for the lull in posting. We desperately needed some down time as a family so I took a break for a few days. I'll try to keep things more current and up to date.

I found a really interesting site you might enjoy taking a peek at sometime. It's all about home organization, and things that concern those of us who are in charge of keeping a home running smoothly. It's www.creativehomemaking.com
I recieve their newsletter and it has some really neat hints. Here is an excerpt on how to make inexpensive rice pilaf mixes, (you know like those Rice-a-Roni or Uncle Ben's that cost way too much!!!) Since Louisiana is one of the leading exporters of rice, we eat alot of it! Our family eats brown rice, as it has more fiber. I do tend to cheat though and use the instant brown rice. I don't have time to pamper a pot of rice for 45 minutes.

Here is the excerpt about rice mixes!


Rice Mixes You Can Make At Home
by Barbara King

Rice is the staple food of over two thirds of the world. It's
rich in thiamin, niacin and iron, easy to prepare and can be used
in many types of recipes. Use it in soups, stews, main dishes as
well as desserts. Rice is one of the highest quality protein
foods. White rice contains 103 calories per half cup serving,
while brown rice contains 108 calories per half cup serving. Rice
can be used in just about any kind of recipe from gourmet to
frugal and is very nutritious. Use it in soups, stews, main
dishes as well as desserts.

Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice, helping you feel
full with fewer calories, and is rich in vitamin E, an
antioxidant proven to protect cells from damage that can lead to
health problems such as cancer, heart disease and cataracts.
Brown rice takes longer to cook than regular-milled white rice
(45 minutes versus 15 for white rice) since the outer bran layers
act as a barrier to heat and moisture. It also requires a slight
increase in cooking liquid: 2 to 2 1/2 cups liquid is
recommended.

Rice is plentiful in the United States with at least seven states
that grow rice. Arkansas, California, and Louisiana account for
over 80% of the rice production in the United States. Rice is the
most non-allergenic of all grains. It's gluten-free and can be an
important staple in diets of individuals with gluten sensitivity.
Most rice sold in the United State is enriched, meaning that
thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and iron, and foliates have been
added to replace what was lost during the milling process.
Enriched rice with folic acid is one of the "good" grains that is
a source of the disease fighting nutrient.

Cooking family meals at home that include rice promotes good
health. You can prepare great tasting dishes by preparing you own
rice seasoning mixtures. Here are a few of the many ways that you
can prepare rice:

Nine Flavored Rice Pilaf Mixes

1 cup long-grain, converted rice
Flavor Packet
2 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups hot water

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the
rice, stirring constantly, until it takes on a translucent
quality; do not let the kernels pop. Slowly stir in the water,
then the Flavor Packet; bring to a full boil; cover and lower
heat. Simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until nearly all of liquid is
absorbed and the rice looks just a bit too moist to serve. Turn
off heat and let stand for 10 minutes before uncovering and
serving.

Each recipe makes one flavor packet. Also, these recipes are
meant for bouillon cubes that mix with 8 oz. of water. If you
prefer to substitute bouillon cubes that mix with 6 oz. of water,
or powder, you will need to figure the differences accordingly.
Three 8 oz. cubes equal four 6 oz. cubes.

Chicken:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes
3 dashes pepper

Beef:
3 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
3 dashes pepper

Onion:
3 onion or beef bouillon cubes, crushed
2 teaspoons dried minced or chopped onion
3 dashes pepper

Mushroom:
3 chicken or beef bouillon cubes, crushed
2 tablespoons dried mushroom slices, in bits
3 dashes pepper

Celery:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
3 tablespoons dried celery flakes
3 dashes pepper

Curry:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1 teaspoon curry powder

Saffron:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1 pinch saffron
1 pinch turmeric

Oriental:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1 onion bouillon cube, crushed
2 teaspoons dried celery flakes
2 teaspoons dried mushroom slices, in bits
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
dash of powdered ginger
add several dashes soy sauce to boiling water

Spanish:
3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
2 tablespoons dried green pepper flakes
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
dash of chili powder
add 2 tablespoons tomato paste to boiling water

Good tasting rice dishes do not have to be expensive. Try the
recipes above and get rave reviews from your family!

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