Kitchen stores like Teatro Verde in Bayview Village are dangerous stores for me. I’m bound to buy something and indeed I did buy something. Here’s an example:  See this display? Well…it really worked. I actually stood there…. watched the video and then bought the Rice Cube.

I must add, that I was  (really) nervous to buy this kitchen gadget, as it was $19.99 and there is no refund or exchange policy at this store. But I did. Go figger.

When I got home, I took out my beloved Rice Cooker (thanks @isfalk for ensuring I bought one back in 2010) and my USA Rice and made a batch of sticky rice.

Then I inserted the cooked sushi rice into the little compartment. (photo on the left). Step 2 involved  closing the lid ( photo on the right) and then Step 3 involved taking out the CUBE OF RICE. No fuss. No muss.

Here’s the end result. I was all too happy to serve this to my guests that were coming over for dinner.

This kitchen gadget is certainly going to be motivating me to use more USA Rice.  Also I’ve recently discovered this Rose Reisman Video that I would like to share with you. This video demonstrates the versatility of rice, the health benefits as well as a recipe for a quick and healthy rice salad.

I can’t wait to make these cubes again and top them with chopped nori, or black and white toasted sesame seeds. So many ideas. So little time!!

For more information:

USA Rice 

Teatro Verde, Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave, 416 733 4448

Rice Cube 

Disclosure: I was provided with compensation for this post, however all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

If you like lemons, and are searching for  a healthy “treat” then this recipe from  Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking is the answer!! It’s super easy to make and its also pretty healthy with only 3 g of fat per half slice. Not to mention, the loaf freezes beautifully.

I also want to share my love for this gadget that I picked up by the cash register. (can you say Impulse Buy?) at Kitchen Stuff Plus. It not only helps me squeeze lemons and limes but it measures the quantity for me – all in one GIZMO. Cant remember how much I paid for it – but whatever it is – it’s making me happy!! Oh how I love gadgets that make me happy.

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf  (from Rose Reisman,  Brings Home Light  Cooking)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup soft margarine

1 egg

2 tsp grated lemon rind

3 tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup 2% milk

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tbsp poppy seeds

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup 2% yogurt or light sour cream (I always use yogurt).

METHOD:

1. Preaheat oven to 350 degrees

2. In a large bowl or food processor, beat together sugar, margarine, egg, lemon rind and juice, mixing well. Add milk, mixing well

3. Combine flour, poppy seeds, baking powder and baking soda. Add to bowl, alternatively with yogurt mixing until incorporated. Do not overmix.

4. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.

Happy Baking!!

Last week, I made a Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf  from the Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking Cookbook. While making the loaf, I decided to flip thru the cookbook to look at other recipes that I had tried and liked, but had not made for many many years. Sure enough, pg 56 was circled. I can’t believe I don’t make this salad more often. It’s a winner.

I ‘m attracted to this recipe as it’s crunchy and colorful and went perfectly with the rest of the meal which included: salmon, roasted squash, a green salad and rice.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about broccoli salads that I enjoy. I have a feeling it’s due to the emerald color of the broccoli that it obtains after it’s perfectly steamed. I’m also a huge fan of another broccoli salad that I use to make that includes grapes and sunflower seeds. Stay tuned for more salad recipes (and the lemon poppy seed loaf recipe as well).

 

 

Broccoli, Snow Pea and Baby Corn Salad with Orange Dressing

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped broccoli florets

1 cup snow peas, cut into pieces

1/2 cup sliced red onion

3 cups torn lettuce (I’ve never used lettuce before – just so you know)

half  of a medium red pepper, sliced

3/4 cup drianed mandarin orange sections

1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts

1 can of drained baby corn cobs

1 tablespoon raisins

1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (or pecans)

DRESSING:

3 tablespooons olive oil

3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic

4 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon sugar

METHOD

1. Steam or microwave broccoli and snow peas just until tender crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry. Place in a serving bowl

2. Add onion, red pepper, lettuce, oranges, water chestnuts, baby corn, raisins and walnuts

3. Dressing: in small bowl, mix oil, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, lemon juice and sugar. Pour over salad and toss well

ENJOY

P.S. Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking is a wonderful cookbook full of healthy recipes and is definitely a keeper!! Proof:  I moved in September and this cookbook did not end up in the garage sale.