Tips for Cooking and storing Grains

* Store white rice on the pantry shelf in and airtight container for up to 1 year. Brown rice and wild rice have an oily bran layer that can turn rancid at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. I use a used coffee container for my white rice and have marked the outside accordingly.

* Always rinse wild rice before cooking. It is not necessary to rinse other grains.

* Wild rice and barley may become tender without absorbing all the cooking liquid. If necessary, drain before serving or combining with recipe ingredients.

* For fluffier rice, remove the saucepan from the heat after the cooking time is complete. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork. The best way I have found to cook rice is in your microwave. I am on my second rice cooker <sunflowers_033.htm> and I wouldn't use anything else. The rice cooker <sunflowers_033.htm> is all plastic and comes with its own measuring cup and spoon. The manufacturer is Progressive International and the product is called Miracle Ware. It is available through Margies Market Place <sunflowers_033.htm>.

* Leftover cooked white or brown rice, wild rice and barley freeze very well. You can defrost and reheat in the microwave oven for use in recipes calling for cooked rice or for a quick side dish.

* Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked rice, wild rice or barley for each person as a side dish.

Read your bread machine owner's manual carefully.

*Measure ingredients precisely with all the appropriate measuring tools such as cups and spoons. Always add in the order your bread machine manufacturer recommends.

For best results, bread flour should be used.
Although active dry yeast can be used in your bread machine, bread machine yeast is advised. It is a finer yeast and disperses better during the mixing and kneading process.
Recipes containing eggs, milk, sour cream, cottage cheese or any other dairy product should be baked immediately and not placed on the time-bake cycle.

* Listen to your bread machine as its kneading the dough. If the machine sounds labored, the dough might be too dry. After 5 minutes of kneading take a look at the dough. If its not forming a smooth, satiny ball and the dough looks cracked and dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. If the dough looks flat and wet looking add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour.