Showing posts with label top 10 Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label top 10 Things. Show all posts

Friday, June 28, 2013

Top 10 Rice Recipes and Rice Cookery Class Notes


I'm teaching a rice class tomorrow and  I wanted to share some basics here for those who live far away as well as some great ideas for recipes.  Rice is such a wonderful food. It is naturally gluten-free. Not all rice is created equally and many of the rice we get actually is low on the Glycemic index, making it ideal for those with diabetes. For more information, see: 

 Here are my top 10 Rice Recipes...

This is my favorite freezer meal recipe. I've used it more times than I can count. 

 I grew up with this comfort food. Rice patties. 
They're a great way to use up rice in the fridge. 

The all American classic comfort food. I cook mine in the solar oven now, but you can use a pressure cooker and it is done in 10 minutes on high pressure. 

Save money and make your own. It's easier than you think...and much better for you!

This is a quick dinner recipe that cooks on the stove in just a few minutes.
 We've loved it for years!

If you love the boxed mixes of chicken and wild rice, this will hit the spot!

These cookies are delightful, delicious, and easy to make with gluten free brown rice flour! Enjoy!
This is by and far one of my favorite meals in a jar. Shelf stable up to 15 years and it includes all you need for a hearty dinner. 

This freezer-meal is a great way to use squash and rice all year long. 

During the summer, this is a really refreshing drink. We have it a lot here in Arizona. 


Rice to the Occasion Class Notes
with Chef Tess
For best results, always follow the package directions of the type of rice you are using. When directions are not available, follow these directions for stove-top cooking from Riceinfo.com
1 cup  UNCOOKED RICE
COOKING LIQUID
COOKING TIME
YIELD (cooked rice)
Long-grain white, basmati, jasmine
1-3/4 cups
20 min
3 to 4 cups
Long-grain brown  (whole grain)
2-1/4 cups
40 to 45 min
3 to 4 cups
Parboiled
2 cups
25 to 30 min
3 to 4 cups
Medium-grain
1-1/2 cups
20 to 30 min
3 cups
Short-grain
1-1/4 cups
20 to 30 min
3 cups
Cooking Tips:
·         Cook extra rice at the beginning of the week to use in quick-prep dishes (use in casseroles, fried rice; with stir-fries; add to wrap sandwiches, soups).
·         Use broth, fruit juices or coconut milk in place of water for a change of flavor.
·         Measure accurately; use dry measure for rice, liquid measure for liquid.
·         Time cooking accurately; use kitchen timer.
·         Do not open lid during cooking or moisture will be lost.
·         Do not stir rice or you will disturb steam vents needed for cooking.
·         Rice will expand to 3 to 4 times its volume, so use appropriate size saucepan or casserole dish.
·         If rice is crunchy and liquid has been completely absorbed, add additional liquid, cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes longer.

Stove Top Cooking: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 1 cup rice, liquid, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp  butter, if using. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for the time specified on chart. Test a few grains of rice for doneness (quickly replace lid). If not tender or liquid not completely absorbed, cook 2 to 4 minutes longer. Fluff with fork.


Oven:  Boiling liquid must be used to start the process. In deep casserole dish, combine 1 cup rice, boiling liquid, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp butter if using. Cover tightly and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven, white rice for 25 to 30 minutes, parboiled for 30 to 40 minutes and brown (whole grain) for 1 hour. Fluff with fork.

Microwave: In a deep microwavable dish, combine 1 cup rice, liquid, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp butter if using. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes or until liquid is boiling. Reduce to MEDIUM (50%) and cook white rice for 15 minutes, parboiled for 20 minutes and brown (whole grain) for 30 minutes. Test a few grains for doneness (quickly replace lid). If not quite tender or liquid not completely absorbed, cook 1 to 2 minutes longer. Fluff with fork.

I recently purchased a Zojirushi Rice Cooker.   Admittedly, I didn't know how much I was missing until I plugged one in for the first time. Now we use it a few times a week. It makes perfect rice!




Cooking rice in your Zojirushi rice cooker is easy as 1-2-3.  Get the printable version from zojirushi.com

 No stirring, watching or worrying about your rice. No more boiling-over, burning or scorching. No more soggy, mushy rice. Just perfect rice every time. Here's how...
1 Measure your rice accurately using the measuring cup that came with the rice cooker. Fill the rice above the brim, then level off the cup. Now pour the rice in the empty inner cooking pan.
2 Rinse rice under water until the water clears. Rub the grains of rice gently between the palms of your hands and drain.
3 Add water to the water level line that corresponds to the number of cups of rice you are cooking. If you are cooking 3 cups of rice, add water to water level 3 for “White Rice.” Be sure that all the grains of rice are submerged and the surface of the rice is flat and level to ensure even cooking.
4 Wipe off any excess water from the outside of the inner cooking pan and place it in the rice cooker. Select the “cook” setting.
5 When cooking completes, allow the cooked rice to ‘rest’ for 15 minutes. If you have a Micom rice cooker, this is done automatically and you will not have to wait. Open the rice cooker and use the special nonstick rice spatula to fluff and serve your rice.


Pressure Cooking Rice
 If you're new to the blog and to pressure cooking, this is for you: 


Pressure Cooking Rice Guide
Grain Variety
Grain: Water
Cooking Times
White Rice, long grain: Basmati, Jasmine, Texmati
1 : 1 1/2
4 minutes
White Rice, short grain
1 : 1 1/2
8 minutes
White Rice, medium grain
1 : 1 1/2
7 minutes
Brown Rice, long Grain: Basmati, Texmati, Sweet Brown
1 : 2
18 minutes
Brown Rice,  Medium Grain
1 : 2
16 minutes
Brown Rice, Long Grain
1 : 2
15 minutes
Wehani Rice
1 : 2
7 minutes
Wild Rice: Manomen "Water Grass"
1 : 4
20-22 minutes.

I will be adding many more rice recipes as we progress, but I had to start with some basics my darlings.

There you go!

Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess







Tuesday, January 29, 2013

My Top 10 Valentine's Treats, Cupcakes, and Decorating Ideas


As I'm getting ready for this amazing trip to Utah this week for  a Valentine's chocolate and goodies segment on  Fresh Living (Channel 2 Utah), as well as 4 Upcoming Utah Classes and Book Signing Events, I wanted to share some of my favorite things ever in the history of the blog when it comes to ideas for decorating and getting goodies together for Valentine's day. Enjoy a trip down CTB memory lane. We've only just begun! 

1.The most inexpensive and yet thoughtful centerpieces yet:

 How to Make Glowing Crystal Ice Centerpieces





2. My all time favorite goodie bar. 

Peanut butter-cup bars...because they're evil.




3. Be fabulous...Crystal Glazed Roses...Out Of Gumdrops!




4. This one's in the cookbook...and a perfect treat for any pink party! Homemade Strawberry Almond Milkshake Fudge Mix and Peanut Butter Fudge Mix and New Packaging Ideas


5. A delightful and easy morsel of happiness...

6. A cupcake that was actually designed and made to help free slaves...Caramel filled carrot cakes with buttery coconut pecan frosting, candied pecans and Toffee


7. The cupcakes that landed me the job I have today... 

Spiced Buttermilk Peach Carrot Crumb-cakes with Maple Hazelnut Glaze


8. The cupcake decorating idea that my auntie taught me as an awkward 11 year old girl. 

Gorgeous and Easy Sunflower Cupcakes

9. The cupcake of a Chef's Mom...Mom's Best Red Velvet Cake


10. The simple way to make a party tray! Plus tips for making them food-safe!  Recycled Cake Pans, Tiered Party Trays and Topiaries...Today's Ideas!


There you go my darlings. Make some great Valentine's goodies and decorations!

Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

My Top 10 Ways to Use Oats and Oatmeal...and LOVE it!


Wednesday is Grain Surgery 101 and  Grain Surgery™ Recipes!
Today is Wednesday. It is the start of a new year for all of us and with it comes some resolutions to love ourselves more, eat better, and reach some goals.  Today is Oat day! 
I was already addicted to oatmeal long before I came out with the Oat-Standing Oat Class (I'll be teaching that one again this Saturday (see the upcoming class information) , but today with the opening of a new year and the start of a lot of people wanting to focus on health, I thought I'd share my top 10 ways to use oats along with some awesome health benefits of the versatile grain!
Versagrain.com mentions these health benefits for eating oats:

  •  Soluble Fiber
    One of the best benefits of oatmeal (or any whole oat food) is that it lowers cholesterol by removing LDL (bad cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (good cholesterol).
  •  Insoluble fiber
    Absorbs water which helps to speed the transit of food through the bowels which helps to reduce the risk of some bowel related cancers (i.e. colon cancer).
  • Beta Glucan
    A bio-defense modifier which means it will boost your immune system.
  • Vitamins and Minerals
    Additional benefits of oatmeal include Iron, Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E.
  • Phytochemicals
    Plant chemicals that have shown promise in fighting and preventing cancer. For example, the phytoestrogens (lignans) found in oats help to fight hormone related diseases like breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. 

Here are my top 10:
1.
 How to Make Rolled Oats from Oat Groats (Tutorial) 
The shelf life of oats is greatly extended when you roll your own oats and many have no idea how to do so at home. This is a great tutorial!
2.

I like my oats hearty and full of texture. This is the tutorial on how to make them less like "wallpaper-glue" and more like a delicious taste sensation. 
3.
  Homemade Gourmet Instant Oatmeal Packets Tutorial
This just speaks for itself, but wait until you try the gourmet flavors you can make at home and still save money by going all-natural. You'll be excited!
4.
Hearty and Comforting Oatmeal...Soup
I was personally shocked to see how simple, comforting and delightful oats could be when made into a savory soup. It sounds a little funky, but once you try it, you'll agree. It is simple and classic. 
5.
These are delightful and a wonderful variation from the normal oatmeal cookie. I'm a fan.
6.
Teff, Chia Seed and Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
Those delicious no-bake cookies take on a whole new healthy twist when you add the powerful punch of vitamins and minerals from Teff and Chia!
7.
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (No sugar added)
A naturally sweetened low glycemic cookie that satisfies that chocolate craving while still keeping the blood sugar levels even. It's a great recipe and one that I adapted from one of my readers!
8.
 Lemon, vanilla,  and rum flavors dance around naturally sweet pears and spices. It is a really outstanding flavor combination for oats. Really.
9.
Caramelized Onion,White Cheddar,Lemon, and Dill Risotto
I love the creamy texture of Risotto-style grains and steel cut oats make a remarkable savory side dish or vegetarian main course in this recipe. You'll be amazing what adding some shrimp or chicken will do to the flavor as well. 
10.
This is a remarkably moist, light and tasty bread with a texture and chew of whole grain that will make you very happy. Other benefit...it's been great for lower glycemic bread!
There you go! Use more oats in your life!

Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess

Friday, October 5, 2012

The Top 10 Things I make with Squash and Sweet Potatoes




 Fall is in the air and as I'm gathering all my gorgeous squash and sweet potatoes from our local farmer's market! Here are my top 10 favorite things to make with squash and sweet potatoes during the Fall season. Beautiful organic squash is just too stinkin' beautiful to just lob off the back of a truck during a zombie appocolypse...but it would work for that too. Just saying...it might even confuse the zombies for a minute if the middle looks enough like brains...right? I digress.

 I know there are many more things to make, but these give me a variety of sweet and savory applications that we just love around here.

#1. Spiced Acorn Squash. This is a method of filling the squash with maple syrup or just a dot of butter with some sweet spices. Baked, it is heaven...and totally easy to make!

2.Apple Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash has been a great freezer meal to have on hand for wonderful weeknight meals, as well as a simple grab-n-go to take to work. I think it has just the right amount of wild rice and the sweet hints from the apple add nice depth.


#3. Danish Sausage Stuffed Buttercup Squash  with mushrooms and dried cranberries was served at my Dad's birthday event. It was amazing and was probably one of the most memorable events as far as squash is concerned.  Dad grew this beautiful buttercup squash and we baked it whole with the stuffing inside. Sliced open at service, it made a really nice presentation. It would also work for Halloween...but I'm not going ot explain that application. Use your imagination.

#4. Savory Pizza Stuffed Zucchini is a go-to around here. It is saucy, meaty, cheesy and well...awesome! Oh...and it freezes beautifully too!

Now for Sweet Potatoes:
Moment of silence for the beautiful sweet potatoes of freakish-glory. I should not love them as much as I do. Yet...here they are.

#5 Fall Edible Decorative Sweet Potato Bread this is a full tutorial on how to turn those beautiful sweet potatoes into a gorgeous loaf of edible joy. The perfect centerpiece for Fall! Wait until you see how easy it is!

The fresh red corn, sweet potatoes and roasted chilies are in perfect balance in this fast skillet meal! What a great weeknight dinner or midnight snack!

 #7  Sweet Potato Biscuits with Turkey Sausage Chipotle Gravy
I made a friend over this recipe! One of my readers named Heather wrote about a dish she'd had and I wanted to make the delicate sweet potato biscuits sing! So this is my original recipe based on an e-mail...and yes, Heather is still a darling friend on Facebook. Love that lady!
A light and fresh twist on the classic potato salad can be found with this divine salad. The sweet potatoes and pineapple are grilled then tossed in a sweet and savory dressing that is low fat and still remarkably flavorful. Brace yourself for a totally amazing experience!
#9 Pepper Cardamom Rubbed Pot Roast with Balsamic-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
I'm not going to lie...I love pot roast. The savory lemony rub coupled with the tangy-sweet balsamic glazed sweet potatoes was an instant classic around here. I can almost taste it!
#10 Sweet Spiced Sweet Potato Tamales with Chocolate Sauce  Admittedly I used pumpkin in this last one, but I use mashed sweet potato in place of the pumpkin in these and it is really an amazing dessert!

There you go! Ten great ideas for using squash and sweet potatoes!

Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess