(Some of the) Best of 2010

Going out on a limb, here are a few of our Bests of 2010: Best chewing gum--bar none--Orbit Mist from Wrigley. This gum really does last and comes in enough varieties of mint or fruit to keep any avid gum chewer satisfied.  Best product--there really are a  few in this category but the electric Smart Kettle  from Chef's Choice is still going strong and lives up to is promises. We also want to mention Cuisinart's Smart Power Blender, which has un-complicated the art of blending and looks smart, too. For noteworthy foods we have to list Jovial Foods Einkorn Pasta, Morningstar Farm's Riblets and Lasagna, and  Gardein meatless entrees as well as Smart Life's Vegan Hot Dogs and Sausages (vegan) , Amy's Breakfast Burritos, Quorn meatless entrees (vegetarian). Where would we be without Tabasco Sauce to give zest to meals or Rice Select's varieties of couscous and grains or the lovely teas from The Republic of Tea--all make cooking and enjoying a bit more pleasurable.

Rice Select----Very Select

Here is a company that really knows rice.  More than 30 years ago, RiceSelect™ introduced Texmati®, the first Basmati Rice to be successfully grown in America, and still the most popular because of its unsurpassed flavor and aroma. Now, RiceSelect, which also makes cous-cous,  is offering an even wider variety of delicious rice and other dishes all grown and packaged in America, all inspired by cuisines from across the world.

The name is Rice Select but they are also well-known for their cous-cous. If you have never tried cous-cous, go for it. It is the perfect side dish or  part of a main dish. Say you need a last-minute side dish—cous-cous is ready 5 minutes after you place it in the boiling water. RiceSelect™ now offers three unique Pearl Couscous items. The Israeli Style semolina pasta is toasted over an open flame. It absorbs flavors easily with a unique rich nutty flavor. The al dente buttery texture is a versatile accompaniment for a main dish and an alternative to a risotto style main dish. (Varieties include Moroccan style Couscous, Organic Whole Wheat, Original Couscous, Tri-color Couscous)

They also have three unique vegetable medleys. Each has been formulated to create a healthy, flavorful and all natural side dish. They combine bouquets of light brown rice, red rice with other ingredients such as dried corn, tomatoes, celery or carrots. The end result is an aromatic blend that is just perfect. You can replace water with broth; add tofu or chicken and you have a complete meal.
There are also the new and mutli-textured and very flavorful Royal Blends-- Texmati White, Brown & Red, Royal Blend Whole Grain with Texmati Brown & Wild Rice or the  Royal Blend Whole Grain with Texmati Brown & Red Rice, Royal Blend Texmati with Red Rice & Beans,  Royal Blend Texmati with Red Rice & Lentils. Both are more than rice—they will be standouts on the plate.Other never-fail products are their Arborio (for risotto) and Orzo (rice-shaped pasta).

Another thing we like about Rice Select is the packaging. Each comes in a sturdy reusable plastic jar that can double as storage for any number of things—in the kitchen or out.
The next time you are shopping, be selective and peruse the Rice Select offerings.
http://www.riceselect.com/