Anyone else out there ever throw away a pot because the brown rice stuck to it like cement? cooked oatmeal until it was a mushy mess? dried the color right out of the couscous? I have found the answer and it's a Rice Cooker. Simple to use, quick results, fast clean up! What else could one ask from this must have kitchen gadget? What about the cost, you ask? There is a make and model to fit every budget.
A rice cooker makes eating healthy easier since brown rice and other grains are a snap to cook. At least that is what I kept reading in magazines. Since I was avoiding recipes that called for long grain or brown rice, I decide to give one a try. After some research, I bought the Cuisinart 4-Cup Rice Cooker because it is mid-priced and mid-sized. Note: some are much larger than others, so think about your portion needs and storage capacity before purchasing.
Most are sold with a "special rice measuring" cup that you use to measure out the dried grains. You then use a regular household measuring cup to add the correct amount of water. Each one comes with grain/water measuring instructions that should be followed for maximum results. Simply add the grains, then the water, cover, turn on, and while you are preparing other parts of the meal, the rice cooker is doing the work for you. Poof, in no time you have fluffy rice ready to plate!
6 Handy Tips To Cooking Great Grains:
1. Add Fat: What? If you thought I said this was healthier, it is; but most instructions call for some fat to be added. I have tried cooking rice, oatmeal, and couscous without it and the cooker seems to overflow. Adding a pat of butter to oatmeal or a teaspoon of olive oil to rice or couscous helps resolve this issue.





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