Earthly Eating

Rice is awesome and it’s a staple dish around the world. In Chinese the word “food” and the word “rice” are the same. In Japanese the word “meal” is the same as “cooked rice”. In America, white rice is very common that is can be found at any supermarket and even at any restaurant. But what about black rice?

History tells us that black rice and other dark rice’s were fed to Chinese emperors for strength in ruling. The facts about Chinese Black Rice are simple, it is higher in vitamins, minerals, as well as fiber than any other bran rice produced and grown world wide. In China it is known as “longevity rice” because of it’s high amounts of amino acids, proteins and iron.

Here are some other facts about Chinese Black Rice:

• Cultivation: Grown mostly in the paddies (waterlogged fields) in Asia. During harvesting the rice and it’s shell is collected and during the milling process the shell is removed.

• Storage: Should be stored in an air tight container for long storage times. For longer than normal times, the rice should be stored in an air tight container in a colder storage such as a refrigerator or cellar.

• Servings: This rice has a nutty flavor and goes perfect with stir-fries, salads and even some soups. You can serve it up as a side dish alone by it’s self. It has been added to desserts and some puddings. When it is cooked it takes a purple hue, which kids find fun to eat. It can be found in health food stores or Chinese food markets nation wide.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Vegetable Casserole
Serves: 4

1 can (10 3/4 oz.( cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen vegetable combination of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, thawed
1 can (2.8 oz.) can friend onions
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Stir soup, sour cream, black pepper, vegetable, 2/3 cup onions and 1.4 cup cheese in a 2-quart casserole dish, then cover.

Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir.

Sprinkle remaining onions and cheese over vegetable mixture. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Happy Eating!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Brown rice has a lot of nutritiona value and can be a great alternative to white rice. If you know what the varieties are you can add brown rice to just about any dinner menu. It can add flavor, color and even texture to most any meal. Start your brown rice addition with any fiber-rich option. Below are some to ideas on varieties to start you out.

• Lundberg Family Farms Organic Black Japonica ($2.49): The richest. This blend of mahogany and black rices matches its dark color with a deep, musky flavor. It’s perfect for stir-fried, Asian-inspired stuffings.

• Lotus Foods Bhutanese Red Rice ($3): With its gorgeous russet hue, this Himalayan-grown rice is full and hearty yet tender and fine. Perfect for pilafs, risotto, salmon side dishes.

• Lundberg Family Farms Organic Wehani ($2.49): This mohogany rice has a subtle sweetness and an aroma not unlike that of buttered popcorn. Perfect for fruit and nut accented salads.

• Royal Blend Texmati Brown & Red ($6): Nutty and earthy, this aromatic blend boasts a satisfying chewy texture. Perfect for spicy rice pudding.

**Lynn Little wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving over at Wii Rally here at 451 Press. Happy Thanksgiving Lynn. Stop by and wish her the same by clicking here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Cranberry Bran Muffins
Serves: 12

1 1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup oat bran
1 cup soy or rice milk
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup molasses
2 eggs
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin cups with muffin papers or grease with canola oil.

In a large bowl, combine dried fruit with bran, milk, honey, oil, molasses, and eggs. Let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix dry ingredients together. Add to wet ingredients and stir just until moistened. Don’t overmix. Batter will be somewhat lumpy.

Spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly browned and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Happy Eating!