Rice and Steamers
 

I like Minute Rice boil in bag brown rice...3pts per cup...

As far as steamers, I suggest a rice cooker. Most stores don't have a good selection of rice cookers, but I think a great place to go is a local Oriental/International Foods store. If you're single or cook for two, they sell mini rice-cookers, usually at a reasonable price (+ or - $25). These cook usually 3-4 cups max and don't take up a lot of space on the counter.

The one that I have is a little larger, with a steamer basket so I can steam veggies at the same time that my rice cooks!

Great idea, for those of you who use broth instead of water!

Kelly?
 

I've thought about getting one since I seem to always let it boil over! Which one do you have? I'm going shopping next week and would like to get one that I know someone else is pleased with. THANK YOU!

Yan can Cook!
 

DH bought it for me for Christmas. It has several layers.

Thank you!
 

I'll check the stores here for it. I like the idea of several layers too!

Here is another vote for the electric rice steamer. Have no idea how to cook rice without it. I use long grain, short grain, medium grain. My family does not eat potatoes, (very odd) so I am making rice 2 or 3 times a week.

For variety I also open a can of beans, drain them and add them to the rice as it cooks.

Did you know rice freezes very nicely too?

As for brands I have had the Rival and now have the Black and Decker. Both are great for the money. Get one that can steam asparagus as well and you are golden.

My friend swears by her microwave rice steamer made by Rival? I'll try to find out, but her rice is also always good, never stuck, never hard, never soggy.

My mom always cooks her rice in the oven, heats the liquid, puts in the rice and pops the whole thing in the oven. Not so popular with me, not careful enough.

Liza

Calrose
 

The brand of white rice I use is called Niko Niko Calrose rice. It's found in the asian food section at the grocery store in a red white and blue bag. I think it tastes much better than regular white rice.

Jasmine rice! Nothing else smells remotely like it. It smells kind of like popcorn and tastes great. You can get it in Asian grocery stores, or you can pay more and get it in the regular grocery store over with the Asian foods (sometimes it's called "Thai rice").

--Lauren

Rice
 

Mary Kate - I use that same brand and I love it. It has 4 pts for a cup. And a cup of rice is a lot! I like to take a cup of rice and add a lot of stir-fried (free!) for a low point dinner. We eat rice a lot. I cook it on the stovetop for about 15 minutes and let it stand for a few more. I have a gas range so as long as I turn it down as soon as it boils I seldom have a boilover. I've looked at rice cookers, but I have so little counter space that I hate to give any up, and the same is true of cupboard space. I have to store my large frying pans in the oven! :)

Jasmine rice is the best! It is so fragrant and tasty.

my roomies love their rice cooker. i think it was just a cheap model from target. i think if you stick with a known company, you should be fine.

the only problem i've noticed with ours is that it sputters starch water and sometimes rice from the little hole in the lid.

i personallly don't use the cooker because i don't want to eat off of teflon...and i have birds, so the smell of things being cooked with it is toxic for them.

flavoring rice
 

I read somewhere to add a tea bag to your water when cooking rice for flavor. Could add lemon, orange, or whatever flacvor complements your meal. I haven't done it, but this thread reminded me to do it. I love constant comet tea for the strong flavor so I think I'll try that.
Paige

I really like jasmine rice, both the brown and white varieties. Lots of flavor on their own. Can't stand the texture of any of those boxed rices, reminds me of the crap we used to have to eat in the dorms.

I used to have a rice cooker but found it didn't do the job any faster than my heavy Calphalon pan, so why have an extra item? For white I cover the rice with about 1/2 to an inch of water, put the burner on high till it comes to a boil, then turn the heat to low, cook for 15 minutes and it comes out perfect every time. I do the same for brown but add 5 minutes to the cooking time. I've never added salt or oil and haven't had any sticking problems. I am slowly converting to brown rice since I'm trying to cut down on overly processed foods and have been quite happy with taste in most of my recipes.

Oh, and Wild Oats has a fantastic wild rice, but it is expensive. It is so good just by itself and I treat myself to it about once a month or so. I cook it like the brown rice.

GREAT RICE MEAL RECIPE!
 

Hi all,

I have a recipe for sticky rice that is SOOOOOO good!

First, buy yourself some no-talc sushi rice. You can usually find this in Asian food store or in the specialty section of the grocery store. Next, buy some RICE WINE VINEGAR (no points). Also pick up some sesame seeds (also no points).

I cook the rice in the rice cooker. I rinse the rice about 6 times first, to get all the talc off (even on no-talc, there's still a little film), then equal parts of water and rice in the rice cooker.

While the rice is cooking, I lightly toast sesame seeds on the stove.

After the rice is cooked, immediately put the rice in a flat surface (I usually use a glass caserole dish). Sprinkle the rice wine vinegar over it to taste. (I usually use about a half of a cup) Stir frequently and keep adding to taste, then stir in the sesame seeds.

The rice forms a sticky consistency and the sesame seeds give it an amazing flavor. I sometimes add in carmelized onions (I just sautee the onions in red wine vinegar).

This is SO tasty, I eat it as a meal!!!

Try it and let me know what you think!!

Cheers,
Taunia

hey tuania--me too!
 

i make sticky rice just like you describe but i also add a smidge of mirin in with the rice wine vinegar. occasionally, i'll add one or two drops of sesame oil too (a tiny bit goes such a long way in terms of flavor).

since you make sticky rice, i assume you go an extra step and make your own sushi...? if not, you should give it a try. i make vegetable sushi often--it's a great point value and so good!

oops -- sorry!
 

i misspelled your name...