Monday, March 17, 2008

Rice Pilaf

1 c long grain rice
1/4 c vermicelli, broken into small pieces
1/4 c butter
2 1/4 c water
2 t chicken bullion
1 bay leaf
salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in a pan. Add vermicelli and brown on medium heat. Add rice and brown a bit more. Add water, bullion, bay leaf, and a couple of shakes of salt & pepper. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or according to rice package directions or until all the water is absorbed.

This is a great side with any meat, chicken or fish entrée. My mom also likes to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms before cooking to add another flavor dimension.

Now you don't have to buy a box with a mystery flavor packet and a piddly amount of rice again! Enjoy!
Printable Recipe

Chicken Spinach Alfredo

2 chicken breast (from Costco)
1 t minced garlic
olive oil
seasoning for chicken
2-3 c milk
2 t chicken bullion
3-4 large handfuls of fresh spinach (I use the prewashed, bagged kind)
1/4-1/2 c Parmesan cheese (I use the shaky kind)
2 T corn starch mixed in 1/4 c cold water
pasta cooked according to directions

Heat large (12 inch) saute pan to med. high and add oil & garlic & frozen chicken breast (yes, frozen! On the bag there are directions and they really work). Cover with lid. Check after 15 minutes, add generous amount seasoning (I used lemon pepper this time) and turn chicken and cook 15 more minute or until juice runs clear. While chicken is cooking put water on to boil and add pasta when you start your sauce. When chicken is done remove from pan. there should be juices & seasoning in the bottom of the pan (yum), add milk & bullion. Stir well till bullion dissolves and get the good stuff stuck on the bottom mixed in to your sauce. Next grab handfuls of spinach and tear them into small pieces before you stir them in. Add Parmesan, stir to melt. Chop chicken into small bit size pieces and throw it in. When sauce is boiling add water with cornstarch and stir immediately, it will thicken fast! Pasta should be done about this time so drain it and put it in a pretty serving dish, then dump your chicken spinach on top. Serve with veggies, french bread or salad. Ta da! Delicious meal with a lot less calories!
Feeds 2 adults & 2 children plus 2 lunches for the hubby.