Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Recipes: Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes: Valentine’s Day Side Dishes:  1.Cilantro And Serrano Chile Rice (2 Servings):
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup white aromatic rice (Texmati brand); 1 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 medium white onion, finely minced; 1 to 2 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, and finely minced; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped;
Method:
In a 1-quart saucepan over high heat, combine the chicken stock, salt, and rice. Bring to a boil, stir well, and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to very low and simmer until all the water is absorbed, about 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl using a wooden spoon, mix the butter, minced onion, serrano chile and cilantro until combined. Using a fork or two chopsticks, stir the cilantro mixture into the hot rice until the butter melts and the ingredients are well distributed. Cover the pan and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve at once with the steak and avocado and the vegetables.  2.Mexican White Rice With Vegetables(2 Servings):
To make it a main dish, add in 1-2 cups of cooked chicken or turkey.
Ingredients:
2 cups white rice, soaked for 20 minutes in warm water; 1 small onion, peeled and chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped; 4 1/2 cups water; 1/8 cup oil; 1/2 small chile (jalapeno or serrano work well) seeded and finely chopped (optional); 1/3 cup peas , frozen (optional); 1/3 cup carrots, frozen, chopped (optional); 1 /2 teaspoon salt;
Method:
After soaking, to remove the starch from the rice, rinse until water runs clear. In a large saucepan, add rice, garlic, onion and chile. Saute over medium heat until rice starts to slightly brown, about 10 minutes. Add in water and vegetables and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 10 minutes. Check rice and simmer for an additional 5 minute if neccesary.
Optional: If adding meat, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.  3.Crockpot Wild Rice Pilaf(6 servings):
Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked wild rice; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 2 (14-ounce) cans ready to serve chicken broth; 2 cups water; 2 (4-ounce) cans sliced mushrooms, drained; 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves;
Method:
Spray 3 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Rinse rice and drain well. Combine in crockpot together with green onion, salt, chicken broth and water and mix well. Cover crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Add mushrooms and thyme and stir gently. Cover and cook on low for 30-60 minutes longer, until wild rice pops and is tender.  4.Seasoned Italian Green Beans(Serves 4):
Ingredients:
1 cup water; 2 T. dry onion soup mix; 1 tsp. oregano; Italian green beans, about 1 quart fresh or 1 package (9 oz.) frozen; 1 to 2 T. chopped pimento;
Method:
Pour the water into a large saucepan. Add the dry onion soup mix and oregano to the water. Add the beans and bring the water to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness. Drain off the water, then stir the chopped pimento into the cooked and seasoned beans. Serve immediately.  5.Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes:
Ingredients:
6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced; 1/4 c. diced onions; 1/4 c. diced red peppers (optional); 1/4 c. butter; 1 tsp. dry mustard; 1 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper; 1/4 c. milk; 1/4 lb. processed cheese;
Method:
Arrange potatoes in buttered 2 quart casserole dish; set aside. Saute onions and red peppers in butter until barely tender. Add remaining ingredients; heat until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Pour over potatoes. Bake at 350º for 45 to 55 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and potatoes are tender.  Back To Recipe Index More Valentine's Day Side Dishes |
