September 2004: From Our Kitchen

Fall Recipes:

• Saffron Rice Pilaf
• Cranberry-Almond Wild Rice
• Pecan Rice

Note: Jim Pleasants of Williamsburg, Virginia, serves this with his Maple-Balsamic Chicken.
 Note: Konriko Wild Pecan Aromatic Rice from Louisiana is one of our favorites. Look for it in your local supermarket, or order directly from www.konriko.com.

Tips and Tidbits

• Uncle Ben's now has five varieties of great-tasting ready-to-eat rice that can be stored in the pantry--just heat for 90 seconds in the microwave, and serve ($1.69 for an 8.8-ounce package)
• When you don't have time to marinate before grilling, transfer hot, cooked boneless chicken breasts to a shallow dish, pour in your favorite vinaigrette, and let stand 2 to 4 minutes; drain before serving.
• A meat-and-poultry pounder (about $7 at kitchen stores) makes fast work of flattening and tenderizing boneless chicken breasts for quick cooking. For easy cleanup, slip the chicken inside a zip-top plastic bag before pounding.