When a mother calls her family to a meal in Thailand she simply says, "Eat rice." Rice is an integral part of meals in many countries. Over 29,000 grains of rice can be found in one pound of long grain rice. Lemon juice and butter can be added at the end of cooking to compliment a meal with fish.

    2 cups uncooked long grain or brown rice
    4 cups water
    Pinch salt
    1 teaspoon butter or a favorite oil is optional

1.  Place rice in a sieve with small holes, rinse rice in cold water.

2.  Rice cooker: Place the rice, water, salt and butter or oil in
     cooker. Turn rice cooker on and check when done.

3.  Microwave: Place rice in microwave safe dish with a cover,        
     heat on high 5 minutes, then cook on low for 15 minutes.

4.  Stovetop: Heat water and rice in a 3-quart saucepan until  
     boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook 20-30 minutes.

     Hint: Serve in a large dish or press rice into small custard
     cups or a rice mold. Invert on individual plates. This gives a     
     professional look to your meal. For variety, two teaspoons
     chicken or beef base added to the rice adapts the rice to
     different meals. Sautéed onions, mushrooms and leftover
     frozen green bell peppers may also be added.

     Makes 6 servings