Secrets to Thrifty, Healthy 30-Minute Meals

Between the rising cost of groceries and the hectic pace of family life, it's easy to feel stressed by the need to prepare fast, healthy meals. Finding healthful, budget-friendly and quick meal solutions is more important than ever.

You may have less time and money to invest in meal prep than ever before, but it is still possible to serve your family a wholesome, home-cooked meal for $10. Turn to easy-to-prepare, versatile and nourishing staples like rice for meals that can be made in less than 30 minutes. And if you have a favorite rice recipe that can feed 4 people for $10 or less, you can show it off and win a $500 grocery gift card.

Because it is fat-free, sodium-free and gluten-free, rice plays a big role in the cuisines of many cultures. In fact, rice is the staple food for two-thirds of the world's population. Rice is a good source of the complex carbohydrates that deliver a powerful energy punch and can help you achieve a reduced-fat diet, according to the American Dietetic Association.

A half-cup of white rice contains just 103 calories and the same portion of brown rice has just 108 calories, the USA Rice Federation says. Also, brown rice is a good source of whole grains and has more fiber, minerals and antioxidants than refined grains. A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.

To take advantage of the health benefits of rice and prepare tasty meals, turn to products that will allow you to enjoy the healthy grains in no time. Products like Success Rice have jazzed up the flavor appeal and versatility of rice, while retaining the ease of preparation that has made it a favorite of busy mothers. Whether you opt for white, brown or jasmine varieties, Success Rice is the foolproof, boil-in-bag meal solution. It takes just 10 minutes to cook and can sit for up to 30 minutes in a pot of water when done, allowing you to prepare the rest of the meal without ruining the rice.

To cash in on rice's time-saving benefits, start with a pinch of planning. Whether you're looking for an entrée idea, side dish or dessert recipes, at www.successrice.com, you'll find a feast of recipes for quick meals that start with rice. An easy-to-use recipe finder allows you to search by main ingredients (fish, fowl, meat or veggies), course (main, side or dessert), menu occasion or dietary restrictions.

Now you can add your own great Success Rice recipe to the Web site and win a $500 grocery gift card. Go to www.successrice.com (http:www.successrice.com/feed4for10)  to submit your Success Rice recipe and for full contest details. All entries must include a Success Rice product and be able to be prepared and cooked in 30 minutes or less. The top 10 entrants will win a variety pack of Success Rice. First place will also win a $500 gift card, and 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $250 and $100 gift cards, respectively. The contest closes on Nov. 28, 2008.


Here’s a sample of the recipes you’ll find at www.successrice.com: Chicken a La King Ingredients: 1 bag Success White Rice 1/3 cup salad dressing 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 2 packages (6 ounces each) roasted chicken breast strips, diced 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup frozen peas 1/2 cup medium red bell pepper, chopped Directions: Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside. Mix salad dressing, flour and milk in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients except rice. Cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve over rice. Tip: Try substituting your favorite frozen vegetable blend. For a healthier alternative, use light salad dressing or mayonnaise, and fat-free milk instead of whole milk. Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.