Country Breakfast Cereal

Makes 6 servings.

1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup seedless raisins or dried cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/4 cups water (see note)
Milk or cream (optional)
Honey or brown sugar (optional)
Fresh fruit or toasted nuts (optional)

Combine rice, butter, salt, raisins and cinnamon with water in 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil; stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 40 to 50 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork.

Serve with milk or cream, honey or brown sugar, and fresh fruit or nuts, if desired.

NOTE: For moister rice, add extra  1/4 cup water.

Granola

3 1/2 cups oats
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup wheat germ (if desired)
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit
1/2 cup chopped nuts (if desired)

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a 15 x 10-inch baking pan, combine all ingredients except fruit; mix well, spreading evenly. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring after 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Stir in fruit.

Cajun Popcorn

2 tbsp.  butter or margarine
1/2 tsp.       each garlic powder, hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp.       each thyme, pepper
6 - 8 cups    popped popcorn

       Combine all ingredients but popcorn and heat in microwave 30 seconds.  Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat.  More popcorn you use, milder taste.

Beijing Noodle Salad

Serves 4

 

1 pound Certified Angus Beef ® flat iron
1/2 pound whole wheat spaghetti, cooked
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup matchstick-cut bamboo shoots
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili oil
1 1/2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

 

Season steak with salt and pepper, and grill to 140 degrees F for medium rare doneness. Remove steak from grill and rest 5 minutes.

Slice across the grain.

Toss pasta with sesame oil. Add bamboo shoots, peanuts, peas and steak.

Combine ginger, soy sauce, chili oil and teriyaki sauce. Add dressing to noodle mixture and toss. Season with salt and pepper if desired.