Bud's Special Rice for Special Company

1. 1

   Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve.

2. 2

   Set aside to drain.

3. 3

   I always do this step first thing in the morning or as early in the day as possible.

4. 4

   In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.

5. 5

   Add the rinsed rice and boil uncovered on high heat for 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

7. 7

   The water should have absorbed after twenty minutes.

8. 8

   Turn the heat off, keep the pan on the burner and let stand for 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Note: I left the rice to stand a total of 20 minutes while I prepared the rest of the meal.

10. 10

    Melt the butter (or butter/olive oil) in a frying pan.

11. 11

    Saute the pine nuts and *ground cinnamon (or cinnamon stick) until the pine nuts are light golden.

12. 12

    Watch this step carefully because pine nuts burn easily (and they cost a pretty penny here so I am extra careful!).

13. 13

    *If you choose ground cinnamon, only saute 3/4 teaspoon of it and save the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling on top of the rice just before serving.

14. 14

    Transfer the rice to a serving dish or platter, drizzle the toasted pine nuts/butter mixture over the rice and garnish with the cinnamon stick or a dusting of ground cinnamon.

15. 15

    Sprinkle with freshly grated black pepper.

16. 16

    Prep time includes setting the rice aside to stand after cooking.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.