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Wild Rice Dressing Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:50:27 -0800

Regardless of whether or not you stuff your turkey, it simply wouldn't be Thanksgiving without stuffing - er, I mean, dressing. Change things up and take a tip from denizens of the Deep South and Carolina low country: make rice the star of the dish. Not only is whole-grain rice healthier and gluten-free, but cooking up a pot of rice is less work than cubing pieces of day-old bread.

If you're on a tight timeline, keep things simple by using brown rice mix. Fluff in sweetness and crunch by adding dried fruit, almonds, and orange zest. Alternatively, build layers of complexity by browning aromatic vegetables, slow-boiling the rice separately, and then baking the components together to fuse all of the dish's earthy flavors. See both options when you read more.

The Amazing Rice: Wild Rice and Goat Cheese Stuffing

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:15:45 -0800

During his Thanksgiving demonstration at the Food Network NYC Wine and Food Festival, Bobby Flay made a scrumptious-sounding stuffing. I've been looking for an exciting new recipe to include on my Thanksgiving day menu, so I decided to give his recipe for wild rice and goat cheese stuffing a try. The rich stuffing is packed with delicious flavors: fragrant chorizo, milky cheese, and fresh herbs that combine to create a dish full of contrasts. It's moist yet crunchy, spicy yet creamy, and incredibly addictive. I'm contemplating doing a Southwestern-themed dinner, so I can make this stuffing, it's that good. To look at Bobby's recipe, read more.

Wild Rice and Goat Cheese Stuffing
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups wild rice
5 cups water
Salt
1/2 cup coarsely diced chorizo
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoons minced garlic
2 carrots, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
3/4 pound stale country-style bread, cubed
6 ounces goat cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups chicken stock, plus extra, if needed

Directions

Place the rice, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer until the grains open all the way. Drain the rice.

Meanwhile, cook the chorizo in a small saucepan over medium heat until the fat is rendered and the chorizo gets a little crisp. Drain.
Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and sweat until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the rice, chorizo, bread, cheese, parsley, thyme, and stock and stir to combine. The mixture should be quite wet: add a little more stock or water, if needed. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a 6-cup buttered baking dish and bake, uncovered, until golden brown and heated through, 25 to 30 minutes. May be refrigerated up to 1 day; reheat with a little chicken stock for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Serves 8.

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Michael Phelps Cleans Up at the Star-Studded ESPY Awards

PopSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:00:01 -0700

Many celebs hit the red carpet last night at the ESPY awards in LA to honor the stars of the sports industry. Samuel L. Jackson was the evening's host, and he kept the audience laughing with his jokes about Twitter. Zachary Quinto took the stage looking dapper in his suit, while Miranda Kerr smiled for photos before the scary robbery at Orlando Bloom's house. Demi Moore was also on hand to present Michael Phelps with one of his five awards. It might not have been as snazzy as last year's Justin Timberlake's ESPY hosting gig, but the athletes and stars looked fantastic for the sports-filled night.

Michael wasn't the only one getting trophies - Hollywood's beloved Lakers won Best Team. Other presenters included Rashida Jones and Jeremy Piven, while funny men Andy Samberg and Seth Meyers watched alongside Billy Crudup. The festivities are set to air Sunday evening on ESPN.

To see lots more photos including Kendra Wilkinson, Rob Lowe, Jeremy Piven and others just read more.

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Images include: Andy Samberg, Jaime Pressly, Kendra Wilkenson, Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps, Rashida Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Seth Meyers, Wyclef Jean, Shawn Johnson, Miranda Kerr, Billy Crudup, Condoleezza Rice, Zachary Levi, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto, Jeremy Piven, Marisa Miller, Olivia Wilde, Rob Lowe, Stevie Wonder, Will.i.am

Healthy Recipe: Cranberry-Pear Wild Rice Stuffing

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is exactly one week from today, and I'm getting into the spirit of this food-centered holiday by testing out a couple of healthy side dishes before serving them on the actual day. This vegetarian cranberry-pear wild rice stuffing is made with whole grain bread instead of the usual white or sourdough, and does not call for even a dab of butter. While I followed the recipe exactly on my first attempt, it is easily adaptable and I could picture substituting apples for the pears or dried apricots for the dried cranberries.

My home was filled with smells of the season when this was in the oven, and while it would complement a Thanksgiving table perfectly, it was a satisfying warm side to a crisp green salad on a cold Fall evening. This would also make a yummy main dish when served inside Winter squashes. I'll be making this dish again, though next time I'll leave out the pepper because it was a to bit too prevalent in the aftertaste.

To get the recipe, read more.

Cranberry-Pear Wild Rice Stuffing
In a Vegetarian Kitchen with Nava Atlas

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, or 2 1/2 cups water with 1 vegetable bouillon cube
2/3 cup raw wild rice
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 large celery stalk, diced
2 medium firm pears (such as bosc), cored and diced
4 cups finely diced whole grain bread
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning (like Spike or Mrs. Dash)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup apple or pear juice, or as needed

Directions
1. Bring the broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir in the wild rice, then cover and simmer gently until the liquid is absorbed, about 35 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
3. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the celery and sauté over medium heat until both are golden.

4. Combine the onion-celery mixture with the cooked wild rice and all the remaining ingredients except the apple juice in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Drizzle the apple juice in slowly, stirring all the while, until the mixture is evenly moistened.

5. Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled, large shallow baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top begins to get slightly crusty.

Serves 8 or more.

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Monday's Leftovers: Wild Mushroom and Barley Risotto

YumSugar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:15:54 -0800

Vegetarians and omnivores unite and make today a meat-free Monday by serving a reassuringly creamy risotto for dinner. Traditional risotto is made with arborio rice, but if you're looking to take it up a nutritional notch, prepare the dish using leftover barley, a chewy cereal grain high in fiber and antioxidants but low in fat. Parmesan cheese and wild mushrooms don't just add in meatiness and substance - they also impart strong umami flavors. See how the quick dish comes together and read more.

Wild Rice and Goat Cheese Stuffing

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:46:55 -0800

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Your Healthy Food Swaps

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:27 -0800

Since decadent foods like ice cream, baked treats, and fried foods tend to be high in the calorie department, it's good to have a few healthy food swap ideas up your sleeve. Here are some shared by fellow FitSugar readers.

"Avocado instead of mayo . . . sure it may have fat in it but it's healthy fat and tastes delicious. Hummus instead of cream in sauces and soups . . . adds a ton of flavor and protein." - mamasitamalita
"I use balsamic vinegar (not vinaigrette) on my salads without any oil. It gives the same powerful flavor kick but for a lot less calories." - laellavita
"Replace ranch dressing on my salad with cottage cheese." - genipher85

For more great ideas, keep reading

Fast & Easy Dinner: Singapore Noodles

partysugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:50:56 -0700

Brighten up the middle of your week with an exotic meal inspired by the cuisine of Singapore. This recipe combines everyday ingredients - shrimp, onions, peas, and ham - with Asian elements like rice noodles, fish sauce, and curry powder.

The resulting dish is complex, delicious, and wildly flavorful. Trust me, your family will be fully content while slurping on these noodles, so learn the method and read more.

Singapore Noodles
From The Nest

Ingredients

8 ounces dried rice vermicelli, soaked in water until pliable
24 small headless tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup fresh shelled green peas, or frozen peas, thawed
2 teaspoons Indian curry powder
6 ounces Cantonese roast pork or thick slice of ham, diced
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 sprigs cilantro, trimmed

Directions

Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and cook the noodles until tender yet firm, about 10 seconds. Use a strainer and tongs to pick up the noodles and transfer them to a bowl.
In the same water cook the shrimp until opaque, about 1 minute, and drain.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry the onion until golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, the noodles, and peas, and sprinkle the curry powder over the top. Toss well, making sure all of the noodles become yellow.
Add the pork, shrimp, and fish sauce, and continue to stir-fry until the noodles are heated through, about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve garnished with cilantro.

Serves 6.

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Josh Brings Diane to Party With Glee Kids For Fox in Pasadena

PopSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:00:06 -0700

The stars of Fox partied the night away after a successful day of TCA presentations in Pasadena yesterday. Joshua Jackson had Diane Kruger with him all day and at the party, though she stayed out of the spotlight. Diane almost blended in with the crowd as she sipped a beer while Josh fielded questions about Fringe. He also talked about how much he loved going to Comic-Con and interacting with all the fans. The cast of Glee took it all in as everyone wanted to congratulate them on their upcoming show, though Lea Michele said she was mostly looking forward to everyone finally seeing more than just the pilot. Meanwhile, Buzz was off at the So You Think You Can Dance finale, where she chatted with the winner Jeanine - check it out here!

Lots more from the party so read more.

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Images include: Brendan Hines, Monica Raymund, Tim Roth, Peter Rice, Matthew Morrison, David Boreanaz, Emily Deschanel, Hugh Laurie, Jane Lynch, Joshua Jackson, Mekhi Phifer, Morgan Spurlock, Olivia Wilde, Lisa Edelstein, Peter Jacobson, Kelli Williams, Jayma Mays, Jackie Earle Haley, Mark Valley, Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney, Ron Pearlman, Lea Michele

Rice Breakdown

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700

It's too bad that rice has gotten a bad reputation with this whole carb-free diet frenzy. As we all know, not only do we need carbs for energy, but carbs in the form of whole grains are a great source of fiber (which can help prevent certain types of cancer), and they keep you feeling full longer. Rice is one of my favorite whole grains since it's easy to cook, can be flavored millions of ways, and is easy to digest. There are so many different kinds though. To see how they compare nutritionally, read more.

Here's the breakdown of half a cup of cooked rice:

Source