Mexican Rice

September 14, 2015 by Leave a comment

  If you love Mexican food as much as we do, you probably find yourself sitting down at a variety of restaurants sampling the ethnic fare on a regular basis. At most of these establishments, it almost seems mandatory to serve the main course with sides of rice and beans. But not all rice is created equal. In our take on Mexican Rice, we kick the flavor into overdrive by adding some additional ingredients for a rich flavor we know you’re going to love. Read more of this post

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Basic White Rice

November 3, 2011 by 3 Comments

Basic White Rice

Basic White Rice is a great "meal stretcher" that can be incorporated into a wide variety of cuisines.

Rice is a staple in many cultures, from Asia to South America, and yes, even in our home here in Cincinnati. Like potatoes or pasta, it is one of those “meal stretchers” that is inexpensive and tasty. We love it in soups, with beans, or even as a base for dishes like Hoppin’ John or Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts. Perhaps because we make it so frequently, we didn’t realize until recently that many of our readers are used to making quick-cooking rice rather than our traditional method which takes longer to prepare, but is fluffier, healthier, and more flavorful. So for all of you who have requested our basic white rice recipe, we apologize that it has taken us so long to deliver it and hope that you’re soon making rice as frequently as we do.

COOK: 30 minutes + 30 minutes resting time

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 cups water

DIRECTIONS

  1. Pour the rice and salt into a medium saucepan. Cover with water and stir briefly to combine. Don’t over-stir or your rice will be gummy.
  2. Bring to a roiling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible temperature and cover the pot. Let the rice steam for 20 minutes, until it has absorbed all the water. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 30 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

TIPS: This may seem like a lot of rice, but any leftovers may be frozen or refrigerated in a resealable plastic bag or container. Use extra rice to prepare quick fried rice, add it as a filler to soups, melt a little butter over it then serve it with a fried egg, or make any other number meals in minutes with this favorite staple.

YIELDS: 2 quarts

© 2011 Jadeworks Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts

August 29, 2011 by 3 Comments

Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts

Make a favorite Chinese takeout dish at home! Our Kung Pao Chicken is tasty, spicy and filled with protein.

Ever since I was a kid in California, Asian cuisine was something to be shared, and whether I was eating at the Golden Dragon in Los Angeles, Lee’s in Texarkana, or Clifton’s King Wok, I have fond memories filled with laughter, friends and good food like egg rolls, fried rice and egg drop soup with fried noodles. But one of my favorite dishes has always been kung pao chicken with peanuts, a dish that is spicy and surprisingly simple to prepare. So make it at home for the people you love and serve it with steamed rice, celery salad and tea for a family-style meal that will become one of your family’s favorites. Oh, and don’t forget the fortune cookies!

PREP: 10 minutes + marinating time
COOK: 6 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons dry sherry or vermouth
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts or cashews
  • 2 whole scallions, thinly sliced
  • 4 whole dried Chinese red peppers
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, wine, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Dice the chicken and toss it in the marinade. Cover and marinate for at least an hour to overnight in the refrigerator. Return chicken to room temperature prior to cooking.
  2. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the oil. Lightly fry the peanuts for about 1 minute and remove. Add the scallions, red peppers, and garlic. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds.
  3. Just before adding to the pan, coat the chicken in the cornstarch. Fry until the chicken is just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on the pan and the heat). Return the peanuts to the pan and mix thoroughly to combine with the chicken. Serve immediately with white rice.

YIELDS: 2 to 4 servings

© 2011 Jadeworks Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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Hoppin’ John [RECIPE]

March 11, 2011 by 4 Comments

Hoppin' John
Pork and black eyed peas come together to create Hoppin’ John, a spicy Southern staple. (Photo by Canva)

Growing up in the South, I frequently discovered marvelous one-pot dinners made with easy-to-find ingredients. For many families, both money and groceries are oftentimes in short supply, and out of necessity cooks learned to make due with what they had on hand. Dishes like gumbo, etouffee and dirty rice utilize simple items including rice, legumes, vegetables and bits of meat or fish. Many of these dishes remain favorites to this day. With Hoppin’ John, the earthy flavor of black-eyed peas combined with bits of salted pork and a dash of spice create a mouth-watering treat that satisfy the biggest appetites with minimal cost.

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