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Food Review: Amy's Brown Rice, Black-Eyed Peas & Veggies Bowl

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

In a pinch, I'm a big fan of frozen meals from Amy's Kitchen, and I particularly like the "bowls." I always keep a few in my freezer just in case I don't have time to make lunch. While the Country Cheddar Bowl is my favorite, I also like the Stuffed Pasta Shells. While perusing the frozen aisle at the grocery store, I noticed a new bowl and had to give it a try.

To find out what I thought of this Brown Rice, Black-Eyed Peas & Veggies Bowl then read more.

I'm quite a fan of this new bowl. Even though it doesn't look very appetizing, it tasted delicious - herby and savory, like it was homemade. It had lots of veggies, mostly mushrooms and they had great consistency; not mushy at all. The black-eyed peas and brown rice made this bowl hearty and filling for only having 290 calories. The sauce was smooth and flavorful with a hint of ginger and cilantro. The wheat-free tamari gave it a delicious salty flavor, with only 580 mg per serving. This meal is also dairy and gluten free, so if you have food sensitivities, this is a tasty option. If you're a fan of bean and veggie dishes, I'd give this a try.

Serving Size	1 bowl
Calories	290
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	580 mg
Carbs	38 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	5 g
Protein	11 g

Discovering the Subtle Flavor of Forbidden Rice

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:26:41 -0800

The folks at Lotus Foods recently sent a few samples of their exotic rice. The company specializes in handcrafted rice from small family farms in remote areas of the world, and it has marketed several heirloom rice varieties that may otherwise have become extinct. It also works closely with the small family farms in order to provide them with an "honorable living." It's an interesting concept, and I must admit, the bags of green, red, and black rice have often caught my eye at the grocery store. Yet looks and mission are one thing; what I wanted to know is how it tasted. To find out if it's worth more than $4 for a pound of rice, read more.

The first rice I tasted was the Jade Pearl Rice. The Jade Pearl was like a regular medium-grain rice, but with a slight green tint and subtle bamboo flavor. The website claims a "light vanilla taste," but I didn't experience that at all.

The second rice I tasted was the intriguingly black Organic Forbidden Rice. It cooked up quickly and surprised me with its nutty taste. The texture was a little bit nuttier than regular rice; it reminded me of short-grain brown rice. The color was fantastic and looked great with my dinner. However, the cooking process was a bit messy. When I took the lid off of the pot, the condensation dripped down and I noticed my white stove was splattered with purple dots.

So, given that the price is quite steep - 11.25 pounds of the Organic Forbidden Rice sells for $49.08, while 10 pounds of standard Calrose rice can be found for $10.18 - would I buy it again? The answer is yes, but I probably wouldn't make it my everyday rice. As much as I liked the flavor and the company mission, I just didn't find it economically sensible. However, I would definitely pick up some for a dinner party or as a treat to myself. Either way, it's worth trying, and if it becomes an expensive habit of yours, don't say I didn't warn you first!

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Monday's Leftovers: Thai Beef With Coconut Rice

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0800

Last night I made an Eastern European-inspired ground sirloin stew with egg noodles, and tonight I'm going to use the leftover beef to make something on the opposite end of the spectrum! I'm craving takeout, but - inspired by my recent successes - I'm going to continue my pattern of preparing Asian foods at home.

Spice up the sirloin with the help of minced garlic, lime, and Asian fish sauce, and wake up your senses with freshly-torn basil and julienned chiles. Complement the fiery protein with a soothing side of milky coconut rice. The result, which is healthier and cheaper than takeout, after the break.

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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Forbidden Rice

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:00:00 -0800

I just came across Forbidden Rice from Lotus Foods. Legend tells us that this ancient grain was once eaten exclusively by the Emperors.

Today, this medium-size Chinese black rice can be enjoyed by all and is prized for its delicious nutty taste, soft and chewy texture, and beautiful rich deep purple color.

High in nutritional and medicinal value, Forbidden Rice is rich in iron and considered a blood tonifier. Unlike other black rice from Asia, it is not glutinous or rough, and cooks in only 30 minutes.

It tastes a lot like short grain brown rice, but its deep purplish black color makes it much more exciting. And it's not at all expensive - a 15oz bag costs about $4.

What else is great? It's 100% whole grain, so you know it's good for you.

Enough With the Pet Food Recalls Already!!

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I really can't take much more of this. The recent pet food recall from Menu Foods was so sad, with all those poor cats and dogs getting sick and passing away. It looks like bad wheat gluten wasn't the only problem. The FDA announced that ANOTHER ingredient - rice protein concentrate - was also contaminated. This time the industrial chemical melamine is the culprit.

A different brand is affected this time, so listen up: a variety of Natural Balance Pet Foods products for both dogs and cats is being recalled.

If you use Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice canned or bagged dog food, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, or Venison and Green Pea dry cat food - STOP USING THEM IMMEDIATELY!!

Fit's Tips: Here's a list of all the brands that have been recalled. If you are unsure about what to feed your hungry pet, talk to your veterinarian.

Food and Drink Factoids From Slow Food Nation

YumSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:30:12 -0700

I learned a great deal during my experience at Slow Food Nation - not just about sustainable eating, but also all about gourmet food in general, from rice to coffee. To share all my foodie facts with you, I've put together a fun quiz. How much might you learn? There's only one way to find out!

Take the quiz

Fast & Easy Dinner: Shrimp and Ginger Stir-Fry

partysugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:20 -0800

As much as I love talking and thinking about Thanksgiving, sometimes it's nice to take a quick break from the all-American feast and enjoy a simple Asian-inspired meal.

In this recipe, shrimp is combined with a gingery soy sauce, chunks of red pepper, and slivers of green onions. Served on a bed of rice, it makes for a light and flavorful alternative to the season's plethora of comfort foods.

Remember a recipe is merely a guide, and many vegetables, from red onions to broccolini, can be used in place of the ones listed in the ingredients. To learn the method, read more.

Shrimp and Ginger Stir-Fry
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

3 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined medium shrimp, tails removed
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
8 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces, white and green parts separated
white rice, for serving

Directions

To make ginger juice, place finely grated ginger in a fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl.With a spoon, press down firmly until juices are released. Discard the solids; whisk in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, and 1 cup water; set sauce aside.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half the shrimp, turning once, until just opaque, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add another tablespoon oil; repeat with remaining shrimp. Set shrimp aside.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to pan; cook bell peppers and white parts of scallions over medium-high heat, stirring, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
Whisk reserved sauce; pour into pan, and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until thickened, 1 minute. Add shrimp and green parts of scallions; stir until coated with sauce, 30 seconds more. Serve immediately with rice.

Serves 4.

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Yummy Links: From Spanish Tours to Sandwich Showdowns

partysugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:57 -0700

Check out this sneak peek of Spain...on the Road Again. It looks like so much fun! - People
Bon Appétit has made over their website to feature their top 100 recipes. - The BA Blog
Update the classic rice krispie treat by using Fruit Cheerios instead of rice cereal. - Erin Cooks
Love chocolate? Be sure to read these tips for storing your beloved chocolate bars. - Candy Blog
How well does the pancake puff pan work? - The Kitchn
Get the 411 on which containers are best for storing food. -Culinate
Tyler Florence, Curtis Stone, and Ingrid Hoffmann battle to make the best sandwich on Oprah's Sandwich Showdown. Padma provides her two cents and announces the winner. - Oprah

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 14-20, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

It's only Tuesday, but I'm already looking forward to the multitude of festivals this weekend.

There are so many in the Bay Area alone that I can't decide whether to hit up the Santana Row Pear Festival, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, or the Monterey Wine Festival. I suppose I might just rock them all!

Have we left something out? If so, please drop us a line in the comments below!

San Francisco, CA: Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting - Oct. 14
New York, NY: At the Table: New York - Oct. 14
Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village - Oct. 14-20
Circleville, OH: Circleville Pumpkin Show - Oct. 15-18
Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Oktoberfest - Oct. 16-19
Crowley, LA: International Rice Festival - Oct. 16-19
New York, NY: 6th Annual Gourmet Institute - Oct. 17-19
Paso Robles, CA: Harvest Wine Weekend - Oct. 17-19

To see the rest, read more.

Niceville, FL: Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival - Oct. 17-19
Hood River, OR: Hood River Valley Harvest Festival - Oct. 17-19
Atlantic City, NJ: Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 17-19
Poquoson, VA: Poquoson Seafood Festival - Oct. 17-19
Shenandoah, VA: Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival - Oct. 17-19
Richmond Hill, GA: Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival - Oct. 17-19
Chackbay, LA: Louisiana Gumbo Fest of Chackbay - Oct. 17-19
Llano, TX: Llano Chuck Wagon Cook-Off - Oct. 18
Pittsburgh, PA: Good Taste! Pittsburgh - Oct. 18
Chincoteague, VA: Chili & Chowder Cookoff - Oct. 18
Half Moon Bay, CA: Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Oct. 18-19
Chicago, IL: Tour de Champagne - Oct. 18
Wellfleet, MA: Wellfleet OysterFest - Oct. 18-19
Millville, NJ: South Jersey Pumpkin Show - Oct. 18-19
Cullman, AL: Alabama Gourd Festival - Oct. 18-19
Cedar Key, FL: Cedar Key Seafood Festival - Oct. 18-19
Leonardtown, MD: St. Mary's County Oyster Festival - Oct. 18-19
Salisbury, MD: Wicomico County Autumn Wine Festival - Oct. 18-19
Gautier, MS: Gautier Mullet & Music Fest - Oct. 18-19
Chatsworth, NJ: The Cranberry Festival of Chatsworth - Oct. 18-19
Newport, RI: Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival - Oct. 18-19
Richmond, VA: Shockoe on the Halfshell - Oct. 18-19
Berkeley, CA: Spice of Life Festival - Oct. 19
New York, NY: Apple Day - Oct. 19
San Jose, CA: Santana Row Pear Festival - Oct. 19
Welches, OR: Wild About Game Festival - Oct. 19
San Francisco, CA: Fiesta on the Hill - Oct. 19
Philadelphia, PA: Foodie Venture Fair - Oct. 19-27
San Francisco, CA: Nirvino Female Bartender Cocktail Competition - Oct. 20

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