If you re trying to include more WHOLE grains in your diet, don t overlook the traditional white-rice side dishes. It s so easy to convert these recipes just by subsituting brown rice, cooked barley or other whole grains for the refined-carbohydrate white rice. Try these 3 recipes, then use the same strategy on your own favorite rice recipes.
Spanish Rice
2 cups cooked brown rice or barley
1 cup tomato sauce
1 bunch green onions, chopped (white part)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
pinch cayenne, to taste
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup sliced stuffed olives (optional)
Chopped cilantro or Italian parsley for garnish (optional)
Combine the grains, tomato sauce, onions and spices in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in the peas and olives and cook 2-3 minutes more. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
4 servings
Wild Rice with Dried Cherries or Cranberries
Here s a simple, festive side dish that s a favorite in our house.
4 cups cooked wild rice
1/2 cup dried cherries, dried cranberries or other dried fruit of your choice
Mix the dried fruit into the wild rice while it s still hot, or heat them together in the microwave.
4-6 servings
Biryani
This traditional Indian rice dish is even more delicious, and certainly more healthful, when made with brown rice or barley.
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1/2 cup bouillon
4 cups cooked barley or brown rice
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 16-ounce can pink beans or kidney beans, drained
pinch cayenne, or to taste
1 cup frozen green peas
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro or Italian parsley leaves
Bring the onion, green pepper, carrots and ginger root and 1/2 cup of bouillon to a boil and simmer, covered, until the carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat through.
6-8 servings
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ZOO Animals … in the Kitchen
These are Kid Friendly Recipes that are fun to make and perfect for any kids party, any time.
To make the foods even more fun for the kids, re-name the recipes to match the party theme. For example, Pigs in a Blanket can be called, “Piglets in a Blanket” for a Winnie the Pooh Party or Colorful Fruit Parfaits can be called, “Jungle Fruits” for a Zoo, Safari or Madagascar party.
Silly Face Pizza
You will need: English muffins (one half per guest), pizza sauce, shredded American or Mozzarella cheese assorted pizza toppings. Split the English Muffins in half and give each child one half. Let each child add pizza sauce, cheese and the toppings of their choice. Bake pizzas on cookie sheet at 375 degrees F. for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Crunchy Snacks
Combine your favorite treats in a large bowl (dried fruit, coconut, pretzels, raisins, candy coated chocolates, etc)… let your guests scoop out small cupfuls to snack on.
Pigs in a Blanket
Slice hot dogs lengthwise and cut cheese into strips. Unroll refrigerated croissants and stuff them with the hot dogs and cheese. Roll croissants back up and bake as directed, or until golden brown.
Design your own Teddy Bear Cookie
Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe or purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Roll out dough and cut with a teddy bear cookie cutter. Cook as directed. Once cookies are cooled - let the children decorate with icing and different candies to make faces, buttons, etc.
Colorful Fruit Parfait
In a parfait cup, layer yogurt, granola and fresh fruit (make it colorful!!!). Top it with whipped topping and serve with long handled spoons.
Lunch on a Stick
Cooked turkey, chopped sliced cheese, chopped cherry tomatoes, squares of bread. Using a skewer, add on bits of each of the above!
Dessert on a Stick
Same as above but use fruits on the skewer instead of lunch food.
Enjoy these fun projects with your children by letting your imagination be your guide… be an “un-grownup”, it s fun! The author has been an un-grown-up for all of her adult years, way too many to brag about!
E N J O Y !!!!
Meet the Original Party Girls!
Mary Ann & Kimberly are a mother and daughter team dedicated to providing a treasure trove of free kids birthday party, baby shower, cake decorating, baby and bridal shower and holiday party ideas to help parents and grandparents create lasting celebration memories. They also have all the party and cake decorating supplies you need to make your celebrations stand out. They are here to help and want to become your celebration destination!
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