Side Dishes - Slidell, LA

Hi D.. This menu would be lovely on top of a rice dish. In stead of making plain rice try this. In a skillet with olive oil preheated saute onion,celery and carrot that you have chopped. Once the onion is transparent add a couple on smashed whole garlic cloves,salt and pepper. Then add your rice and leave in the pan just long enough to get the veggie mixture and rice coated with the olive oi. Be careful and don't let the garlic burn or it will turn bitter. Cover the rice and veggies with chicken stock. I use two to one on chicken stock. The amount for this will depend on how many you are serving. You can figure your portion on the directions on the rice. Remember, it is better to have a little extra than not enough. Store bought stock is fine if you have no home made. A fruit on the grill would make a nice companion. I cooked both for a living and guests years ago. Have fun! E.

Yum! Try baked rice and a green salad - delicious!

Baked Rice:
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup rice (NOT minute rice or quick cooking)
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 cup fresh parsley, minced
Salt & Pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Saute the onion in butter for 3 minutes; add the rice and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add broth, oregano, and basil; stir well to combine. Transfer into a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish; cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, remove cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Stir in parsley before serving. Enjoy!

I was going to suggest a rice dish too! I just tried this new one with some grilled chicken earlier in the week and it was a nice fresh twist on rice that goes great with grilled items. Instead of cooking your rice in plain water, use chicken broth and some lime juice (my recipe suggested 1/4 cup lime juice for 2 cups uncooked rice). Once the rice is done, toss in some fresh chopped cilantro (the recipe called for 1/4 cup) and either a little butter or olive oil.

Sorry - I don't have any suggestions on side dishes, I just want to say how refreshing it is to hear "I have a wonderful 15 yr. old son" That's wonderful in itself to be able to say that about your teenager! You must be a great mom! God Bless You! CC

Uncle Ben's wild rice: just follow instructions on the packet. Very very easy.

Spinach salad: 1 bag of baby spinach, chopped hard boiled eggs, crispy bacon sprinkled all over, chopped red onion, toss and add raspberry vinegrete. Yummy!

Fruit salad: mix cut up strawberries, blue berries, cantaloupe chunks, watermelon chunks. Delicious!

Good luck and enjoy!

Rice. Maybe Spanish rice yellow rice with bellpeppers and maybe even throw in a half a can of rotel.