Rice-n-stuff

There is a ying and yang quality about rice.

On the one hand, it's very filling and goes well with just about everything.

On the other hand, it takes time to cook.

Once you figure out how to cook rice, a whole new world of food opens up.

You basically have three options.

Option #1 is to buy Minute Rice.  Just add hot water and you are good to go.  There is not really a downside to this other than cost.

Option #2 is to buy a Boil in the Bag product.  This rice comes in a couple of different types, including brown.  You basically, boil a big pot of water and then toss the rice, bag and all, into the water.  It's ready in about 10 minutes.  This is the most expensive option.

Option #3 is to buy regular rice and cook it.  I recommend you practice this.  It is the least expensive and offers the most varieties of rice.  The downside is that it takes 45 minutes to an hour to cook.  Here is how to do it:

Add 1 part rice to 2 parts of boiling water.  For example, boil 2 cups of water and then add 1 cup of rice.  Next, and this seems to be very important, lower the heat to the lowest setting and cover tightly for 45 minutes (some rice may indicate an hour).

After 45 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the lid.  Let it set as excess water will steam away.  Test the rice.  If it's crunchy, you didn't heat it long enough.  If it's stuck to the bottom of the pan, you cooked it too long.  I know this sounds iffy but there is actually quite a long period that is considered acceptable.  For example, if your rice needed 50 minutes to be perfect, then it would be edible in 45 minutes and probably wouldn't stick to the pan until well after an hour.

Now that your rice is ready, it's time to add stuff.

My favorite is to add chunks of meat such as ham or even cut-up hot dogs.  Then I add the secret ingredient: Campbell's Cheese soup.  Don't add water, just the soup.  Stir it all in together and you are ready to go.

This stuff keeps well in the fridge so make plenty.