Homemade Rice-A-Roni-style Pilaf

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Homemade " Rice-A-Roni " -style PilafServes 6 2/3 cup long-grain rice -- raw 1/3 cup vermicelli -- broken up 1/2 tablespoon butter 2 cups College Inn 99% Fat Free Chicken Broth -- or

Swanson 2/3 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon dried thymeMelt butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir in rice andvermicelli. Cook, stirring frequently, until vermicelli is lightly

browned. Add chicken broth and spices. Bring to a boil. Lower heatto a simmer and cover pan. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until rice isjust a bit too " soupy " to eat. Allow to sit, covered for 5 minutes

Per serving: 109 Calories (kcal); 1g Total Fat; (9% calories from fat);3g Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; 3mg Cholesterol; 310mg Sodium FoodExchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0

Fat; 0 Other CarbohydratesTo make a Mix: Break vermicelli and combine with rice. store. Mix thespices, and if wanted add enough boullion powder to equal the twocups.Store the two mixes together with instructions.

Put the onion in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes before cuttingup, make sure you don't let it freeze. This is the only tip that has everworked for me.SherryTo make your own " onion soup " mix:

4 t. instant beef bouillon granules8 t. dried minced onion1 t. onion powder2 T. dried parsley (optional)You can add other seasonings (pepper, cayenne, cumin, whatever) to varythis.Green Rice Mix

4 cups rice (I use brown)3/4 cup dried parsley2 t. garlic powder3/4 cup dry milkTo Use: Mix 1 cup mix with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, lower heat,place lid on rice and simmer till liquid is completely absorbed, about 20

minutes or more. Check if you need to. (I would add an extra half cupliquid for the brown rice). Once cooked, you can toss with 1/4 cupParmesan cheese.Variations: Add herbes de Provence or Italian herb mixes, or a dash of

cayenne.Curry Rice Mix4 cups rice (I use brown)1/4 cup dried minced onion2 T. red pepper flakes3 t. curry powderTo Use: Mix 1 cup mix with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, lower heat,

place lid on rice and simmer till liquid is completely absorbed, about 20minutes or more. Check if you need to. (I would add an extra half cupliquid for the brown rice). Once cooked, toss with a little butter.

Tip: When a recipe calls for cheese, you can substitute half the amountof a stronger-flavored cheese; i.e., 1/4 cup Parmesan for 1/2 cup colby,1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar for 1 cup cheddar, etc.

-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

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