IT'S SOOO RICE

Well, we did it again. Bought another kitchen gadget. When Al mentioned buying a rice cooker I thought OH, NO. Here we go putting another unopened box on the basement floor for decoration. But (and isn't there always a but!) much to my surprise we love this awesome "thing". We use it at least once or twice a week and are on our way to becoming connoisseurs of the various kinds of rice. Who would have thought. One favorite that I used to buy when living on the west coast is Calrose. I had never seen it here in the east but low and behold I unexpectedly came across it in WalMart of all places. This fabulous rice is similar to Thai sticky rice but not quite as sticky. And like most rices it is very versitile. The question is what CAN'T you add to it. Another great thing about rice is that it is economical, even since there have been big increases in price, and also it is a very healthy and filling food. What a tasty way to stretch the budget!

And speaking of rice I have to tell you what I had for lunch last November at the Picasso Museum Cafe in Barcelona, Spain. They serve a terrific risotto with mushrooms and pumpkin. Great choice for the season, of course, but also mouth watering. Naturally when we were back home I had to try to duplicate this dish and according to Al I was quite successful. Adding the mushrooms speaks for itself and as for the pumpkin what I did was put 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin into the finished 8oz of risotto. DELICIOUS!!!

So, what are you reading? I just finished "The Associate" by John Grisham and can tell you that being #1 on the New York Times best seller list is a no-brainer. It was his best yet (in my opinion) so give it a try.

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY!

I have been noticing that many of our local chain and also independant theaters are holding event showings as well as the regular movie schedule. Smart way to be creative and increase revenue.

QUESTION OF THE DAY!

What country are house hunters coming from to snap up foreclosurs here in the U.S.?

Take care,
Pam