My First Recipe

Interested in a quick-and-easy, delicious-yet-nutritious recipe?

Ollie and I are big fans of what we like to call "Rice Bowls."

They only take about a half an hour from start to finish (that's my inner Rachael Ray coming out) and they go reeeaaallly well with a glass of Merlot, which I like to begin consuming while I'm cooking (that's my inner Julia coming out).


Here's what you'll need:

• 1 (or 2 if you are really hungry) package of Rice Pilaf (or your favorite rice-y type thing... I like to use the Wild Mushroom flavor Rice Pilaf by Near East)

• 1 container of Goat Cheese crumbles

• 1 package of Spring Mix lettuces (sometimes I like to mix it up and use Arugula)

• 1 tomato

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (you could just as easily use shrimp or grilled steak or whatever protein is looking particularly scrumptious that day)

• Fresh Dill ( or basil, or chives, again you can use whatever looks scrumptious)

• Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Olive Oil


Here's what to do:

• Timing is everything, here: First, I start the rice going.

• Next, I cube the chicken and throw it in the pan with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, maybe some garlic..., whatever strikes my fancy.

• While the chicken is cooking, I take out two bowls and I cover the bottom of the bowls with about a handful of Spring Mix lettuce.

• Chop up the tomatoes and set aside.

• Once the rice is done, spoon a handful into the bowl, right on top of the lettuce. The hot rice will wilt the lettuce and make it nice and mushy, with just a lil' bit of snap left to it.

• Toss some of the Goat Cheese crumbles on top of the rice. This will melt the Goat Cheese and it will mix in with the rice and make a delicious binder.

• Next, toss in some tomatoes.

• Toss some chopped dill on top of the tomatoes.

• Last, after draining the chicken, place some of the cooked chicken on top of the tomatoes and drizzle some Balsamic Vinaigrette over the whole thing.

• Mix the bowl and help yourself!

It's good, right???

There are so many ways to mix this up, but the basic idea is that the hot rice and chicken melt the yummy goat cheese and wilts the lettuce. The Goat Cheese and the Balsamic Vinaigrette make the whole thing a little tangy and it all makes a big bowl of yummy.

Again, I must reiterate how well this goes with a glass of Merlot.

Grab some dark chocolate for dessert, put a good movie on and you are in good shape.

(Good for your heart!)

Bon Appetit!

XO,

Rhea at Alewives