Rice has been consumed for thousands of years and today is enjoyed around the world in every culture.  There's a good reason for that, rice is one of the most versatile and nutritious foods to serve.  Many people, however avoid rice because they find it difficult to cook properly.   Rice is actually very simple to cook.

To rinse or not to rinse, that is the question!  I like to rinse my rice before cooking.  Just add cold tap water and stir the rice, you'll see the water turn milky white.  Drain and repeat until water is clear.

Another step I like is to drizzle canola or peanut oil over the rice before adding the water to the pot.  Stir over high heat until all the rice is coated then add your liquid and bring to a boil and follow method (2)

Cooking method:

1) Rice Cooker: These cookers can be purchased anywhere and are easy to use.  Just follow the manufacturer's instruction.

2) Boil in a pot: This is very easy once you've done it once or twice.  Simply add any amount of rice.  Fill pot with water or stock to 1/4 inch above the rice.  Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over high heat.  Once the water is vigorously boiling reduce heat to low and let cook until water evaporated.  You should see holes forming and stream rising.  Turn off heat and let stand 10-20 minutes.  Flake with a fork, add flavour and serve.

Creative Rice:

• 1 cup rice

• 2 cups water or stock

• 2 tbs. Creative Affair

• 1/4 canola oil

• salt to taste

1. combine rice, water/stock and salt

2. bring to a boil

3. reduce to low and cover

4. cook until water has absorber into the rice, approx 10-15 mins

5. remove from heat and let stand covered

6. mix Creative Affair and oil

7. remove rice from pot and flake with a fork

8. pour Creative mixture and toss to coat