Yeast

Difference between active dry and instant yeast: active dry yeast needs to be proofed in warm water. Instant yeast does not.

In a recipe that calls for active dry, you can use 20% less instant yeast instead, still adding the liquid that it calls for for proofing the yeast.

In a recipe that calls for instant yeast, you need 20% more active dry yeast--proof it before adding it to the other ingredients. Also, you should reduce the amount of liquid you add later in the recipe by the amount of water you proof the yeast in.

(correct me if I'm wrong, but this is how I understand it)

Copycat C*fe Rio Rice/Salad Bowl

I don't know a better name for this. I'm adapting from a bunch of different recipes. I'm lazy, so I like my version (dressing #1) that only involves buying cilantro and lettuce; everything else I always have on hand.

Rice (we like brown rice and cook it in the rice cooker)
Add to the rice before cooking:
canned, diced green chiles
minced onion
fresh cilantro leaves
garlic powder

Chicken:
bake in slow cooker with salsa, then chop

Take your pick of two different dressings
Dressing #1--blend the following:
2 cups mayo
garlic powder
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves
2 TB water
1-2 TB balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 jalepeno--no seeds (instead, I just use some of Mr. Brady's hot pepper seasoning)

Dressing #2 (Shannon's):
1 c buttermilk
1 c mayo
garlic clove or 2
half bunch cilantro (stems discarded)
3 tomatillos (2 if really big)
green Tabasco if desired
3 TB Ranch dressing powder

After making the chicken, rice and dressing, shred some lettuce, open a can of black beans (rinse and warm up), and enjoy everything layered in a bowl with shredded cheese. Very satisfying!

Or, you can omit the lettuce and scoop it up with tortilla chips (and add corn if you want).

Homemade Chicken Rice-a-roni

This satisfies my hungriest, pickiest boys (mostly they'd like convenient, processed foods instead of homemade)! I didn't have a rice cooker for a decade of my adult life, but now I wonder how I did without it. Instead of opening up boxes of Rice-a-roni, try making your own.

Break up some spaghetti noodles for the vermicelli--inch-long pieces.
Brown the noodle and desired rice amount in oil in a skillet (use the rice cooker measuring cup to measure).
Put rice/noodles in cooker and add chicken broth instead of water to the correct line
Throw in some minced onion and parsley flakes.
Start your rice cooker.

Voila! Homemade and as much of it as you want. Add grilled chicken strips if desired.