In a hurry?

(Image courtesy of hubpages.com)

Time is often in short supply...isn't it!  And we want to offer good nutrition....and good taste to our families.  So, consider investing a little time up front to make your own rice mixes and save time.  We all want to avoid the "What are we having for dinner Mom?" comment as often as possible!  Even though some are listed as "Gifts in a Jar", there is no reason that your family cannot benefit from having them on hand.  Give the gift to yourself!

Here are some mixes to try:

Homemade Rice A Roni (http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/10021/103917.aspx) 

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked

1 cup thin spaghetti, broken into 1/2" pieces

3 T. butter

2 3/4 cups water

1 T. beef, chicken, or vegetable bouillon powder or granules

1/4 t. onion powder

1/4 t. garlic powder

1 T. parsley

1/4 tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning

1/8 t. black pepper


Melt butter in medium saucepan or skillet, add uncooked rice, pasta pieces, stir about 5 minutes until pasta is lightly browned.


Add remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Do not lift lid. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, cover and let steam an additional 5-10 minutes

Herbed Rice Mix in a Jar Recipe (http://www.thatsmyhome.com/general/rice-mix.htm

1 package ( 3 pounds ) long grain rice

2 C. dried celery flakes

2/3 C. dried minced onion

1/2 C. dried parsley flakes

2 T. dried chives

1 T. dried tarragon

3 to 4 t. salt

2 t. pepper

Combine the first eight ingredients; mix well. If giving for gifts place two cups each in a jar: makes 40 batches ( 10 cups total ) .

INSTRUCTIONS TO ATTACH TO JAR:

To prepare one serving of rice:

In a sauce pan over medium heat, bring 2/3 cup water and 1 tablespoon butter to a boil. Add 1/4 cup rice mixture. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Yield: 1 serving.

NOTE: To prepare more than 1 serving, multiply the rice mix, water. and butter by the total number or desired servings and cook as directed.

Jambalaya Mix  (http://www.heart4home.net/giaj_jambalaya.htm)

(makes 4 packages)

1/2 C sweet pepper flakes

1/2 C dried minced onions

1/4 C dried parsley

1/2 C beef bouillon granules

1 T garlic powder

1 T black pepper

2 T paprika

1 T dried oregano

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

dash of ground red pepper (cayenne)

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

4 C uncooked rice, divided

4 bay leaves, divided


In a medium bowl, combine pepper flakes, onions, parsley, bouillon, garlic, pepper, paprika, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, red pepper, and cumin. Place 1/3 cup spice mixture, 1 cup rice, and 1 bay leaf into a sandwich size ziplock bag.


Attach recipe


Jambalaya!


1 package Jambalaya mix

3 C water

16 oz. smoked sausage, sliced

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

In a Dutch oven, bring water, sausage, tomatoes, and jambalaya mix to a boil over medium heat, stirring occassionally. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 23-28 minutes (stirring occasionally) or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove bay leaf to serve.