Mississauga, Ontario - July 2007 – It's time to give summer entertaining a serious makeover. With the barbeque fired up and flip flops firmly secured between toes, take charge of the summer menu and incorporate some ethnic twists, healthy surprises and elegant appetizers. U.S. rice is the new summer must have – easy to prepare, pack and travel, its adaptability bridges both the BBQ and picnic basket. Easily made right on the barbeque along side your grilling favourites, U.S. rice can easily transform into various sides, starters or mains.
To get ready for summer, the USA Rice Federation offers tips, hints and recipes that bring the South North, the East West and put a glamorous twist to shrimp on the barbee. Not only versatile, U.S. rice is an easy way to get good carbs for energy packed summer activities like swimming and beach volleyball and is also a source of niacin, B5, B6, phosphorous and magnesium.
“Rice is a loved dish that is so versatile you are bound to please the whole family and with all its great nutrients, you can feel good about serving it,” says Diana Steele Registered Dietitian and owner of Eating for Energy.
Family gatherings are a natural summer occurrence and you will be the favourite relation when you arrive with the Fiesta Layered Salad. Filled with fresh vegetables, beans and a tangy dressing this “all-food-groups” salad is perfect for outdoor feasts.
Rice’s versatility not only makes it easy to prepare, but also to experiment with different flavours and cuisines from all over the world. “Adding a healthy side such as rice and giving it a twist with new and exotic flavours is a great low fat alternative,” says Steele.
The BBQ Bag Biryiani, is an exotic East Asian side to grilled chicken, pork and seafood. Made right on the grill in a BBQ bag, this sweet and spicy accompaniment is an easy way to bring some diversity into your diet. Made with U.S. long grain white rice and an assortment of aromatic spices like coriander, cinnamon and cardamom, this colourful dish will add some international flare to your next event.
There’s no question that steak’s the king of the Q. Liven it up with a trip from down N’awlins way with Creole Grilled Rice Pilaf with Spicy Steak. Or start the BBQ meal with an appetizer also made fresh on the grill. Bring some style to the fire, with the Grilled Shrimp Rice Cakes with Chili Plum Sauce.
Any summer get together has some must haves and U.S. rice is one of them. With numerous varieties to choose from, combined with simple preparation and storage, U.S. rice is a flawless companion to any summer celebration. For these and more than 90 additional rice recipes, covering every meal of the day, as well as preparation methods, storage tips and nutritional information, please visit the USA Rice Federation web site.
Registered Dietitian and author, Diana Steele is the owner of Eating for Energy, a thriving nutrition consulting company in B.C. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and is a member of the Dietitians of Canada and the B.C. College of Dietitians.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Saba Filice
Faye Clack Communications
905-206-0577 ext. 223
msaba@fayeclack.com