Best Aunt Helens Rice Pilaf Recipes

AUNT HELEN'S RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt butter over moderate heat.
• Add birds nest angel hair pasta and stir constantly until nicely browned.
• Be careful, as the pasta can burn VERY quickly.
• Add rice to the pot and blend with pasta.
• Add the chicken broth, salt, and garlic powder.
• Bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
• When cooked, stir and let set for about 5-10 minutes.

CHEESY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Gruyere; keep warm, covered.
• When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese sauce, parsley, chives and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.

EASY RICE PILAF WITH PEAS AND CARROTS

Steps:

• Wash the rice very well a few times until the water is clear. You can let it soak in water for about 10 minutes or so while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
• In a large heavy pan with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, tossing regularly until softened. Add the peas and carrots. Season with a good pinch of kosher salt. Add the spices and mix to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, tossing regularly until the carrots have softened.
• Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Toss around to make sure the rice is well-coated with the spices. Pour in 2 ¼ cup of water. And season well with a big dash of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Allow the rice about 5 to 10 minutes to rest before serving.
• Serve with the nuts and raisins on top.

AUNT HELEN'S OPERA FUDGE

Steps:

• Put cream and sugar in a large saucepan. Heat on medium to medium-high. Stir until it comes to a boil, then add cream of tartar. Using a candy thermometer, cook and stir constantly till it reaches 238 degrees F. Immediately pour onto a large, cooled marble candy-making slab (or something similar that will stay cold) until the mixture is cooled.
• Then mix well until it turns white and mounds. Cover with a damp cloth for 1/2 hour or so.
• Then knead it like bread until it's smooth. You can have it plain or add small bits of candied fruit and nuts, if you like, and knead into it.
• Roll it into a log on some waxed paper or plastic wrap, and keep refrigerated. Serve by slicing 1/4 inch slices off and serving on a pretty little plate.

MARY HELEN'S BRUSCHETTA DI POMODORI

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• In a bowl combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil vinegar and salt. Toss well.
• Place the bread on a baking sheet and broil both sides lightly (about 2 min total)
• Remove and rub one side with slice of garlic clove.
• Arrange bread garlic side up and spoon on topping.
• Serve at once.

RICE AND NOODLE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the butter, and as soon as the butter melts, add the onion. Cook, stirring constantly, until the onion is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the noodles, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until the noodles are golden brown and the mixture gives off a nutty aroma, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Add the rice, stir to combine, and add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
• Stir in the chicken broth and salt. Raise the heat to high and bring to a full rolling boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice and vermicelli have absorbed all the liquid. Fluff with a fork and serve.

CHICKEN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt margerine in a casserole dish.
• Brown orzo.
• Add boiling water and chicken broth, and stir.
• Add rice and stir.
• Cook in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
• For variation, try adding 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, 1 can mushrooms, or 1 small can peas.
• Use your imagination.

RICE COOKER RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In a small frying pan over medium heat, sautee the onion and garlic until onion is translucent. The garlic will cause the onion to scorch a bit, don't worry, it gives it flavor.
• Add the rice, sauted onion and garlic, almonds, mushrooms, and chicken broth to a 4 cup capacity or larger rice cooker.
• Stir briefly to distribute ingredients.
• Set to cook. When done, let sit for 10 minutes.
• Stir and enjoy!
• Depending on your rice cooker, the bottom may get brown. I like it, it gives it some extra zip!