Life Changing Baked Rice

I write this post this evening on the wings of a momentous occasion (poetic, right?).

My boyfriend and sous chef, Jack, has just finished his MBA program!!!!

Two years ago, Jack and I moved from 68th and Madison in New York City to Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, right outside of Washington, DC so Jack could begin his studies as an MBA student with a concentration in Finance at George Washington University.  Needless to say, it was a huge change for us.  Although Washington, DC and New York City are somewhat similar, they are worlds apart.  Where New York City is the city that never sleeps, Washington, DC sometimes takes a nap to slow it down a bit.  There were times where homesickness hit me like a baseball bat and I would cry my eyes out, longing to move back to NY, missing friends and family and dying for a good slice of pizza or a good bagel.  On the other hand, I would return to NY and wonder why no one would smile at me on the street or be happy to help me when I asked for help in a store.  It was confusing, but through it all, Jack was a rock.  Unflappable as always, he was constantly studying and working hard, pushing himself to make the most of his education and be at the top of his class, but also tried his best to make the best of these two years for us socially.  He made every effort to find all of the wonderful things that DC has to offer, from fantastic restaurants, to hip coffee houses, to great jazz spots, to hidden neighborhoods ripe with culture, and opened my eyes to how fantastic this city really is. 

Jack always remained calm, collected, and most importantly, optimistic.  When the entire world collapsed into financial freefall and we watched our chances of getting jobs easily upon our return to New York diminish rapidly, Jack just adjusted his strategy and thought out the best and most effective way of preparing ourselves for any scenario - job or no job - that awaits us in August.

Needless to say, I could not be more proud of him.  He has completed his MBA program with an expected 3.8 GPA - no easy feat.  He has grown tremendously in the past two years.  And I have never seen him happier than when he pressed the "Send" button and submitted his final final exam of his two-year journey.  

So on this special occasion, I share with you this recipe for Life Changing Basmati Rice.  Like Jack's life will no doubt be different from here on out, so will yours after trying this recipe. 

When I made this rice, my head nearly exploded.  It took a total of 20 minutes and was the best - THE BEST - rice I have ever tasted. I could not believe that I made this rice.  We all know how difficult it is to make rice on the stove perfectly.  I know that in my case, my rice is either overcooked or undercooked.  Well this was fluffy. Amazing. Delicious.  ADDICTIVE.  I dreamt of this rice for two days - no joke.  You simply cook the rice with olive oil for a few minutes, add some water, and then pop it into the oven for 13 minutes.  What you get is the most perfect, fluffy, and tender rice that you have ever tasted.  The results are better than any rice cooker can ever give you. When Jack saw my excitement, he said: "This recipe must be life changing."  

I jumped.  "That is exactly what it is called!" 

So in honor of Jack, I give you life changing basmati rice.  I could think of nothing more perfect to commemorate this occasion - a rice that will change your life and probably the only food we will be able to afford to eat if we are both unemployed in August.  

Check out The Wednesday Chef for the recipe that will change your life - no MBA required.

Comments

[Tracey]

Congratulations to Jack! What a wonderful accomplishment! Sounds like you're a very lucky girl :) I'll have to try this rice. It looks delicious and my rice always turns out so-so.

[Megan]

Wow - what an accomplishment! And congratulations to him (and you!). Are you planning to move back to the city in August? Great time of year to live there (sarcasm intended). We used to live on 54th & 1st. It was great - but not with small children.

[Ashley]

Haha glad you've found this rice. ;) Congratulations to your boyfriend!!

[Mindy]

Congratulations! And I'm definitely trying this method out!

[lisaiscooking]

I am rice-challenged. I need to try this recipe!

[pinkstripes]

Congratulations to Jack! I'm crossing my fingers for both of you to have jobs come August.

The rice sounds amazing. I've got to try it.

[SStockwell]

GW! WOW, 3.8, WOW! Hold on to your man! Feeding him well will do it! The rice is a must try? DC is amazing with a myriad of secret nooks and crannies to explore. One of them is the Peacock Room at the Frier? good post. thanks, s

[Jennifer]

Congratulations to Jack. That is a HUGE accomplishment, so much work!

(And I'm checking out the rice recipe immediately as I am a rice lover, but hate cooking it because I never get consistent results.)

[Jen Schall @ My Kitchen Addiction]

Hooray for the MBA! I must say I love both DC and NYC - but they are different... Looking forward to trying the rice recipe!

[Tangled Noodle]

Congratulations, Jack!

It's a tremendous accomplishment but just as much as he helped you through your homesickness for NYC, your love and support are undoubtedly a part of his success. 8-)

Now, I have got to see for myself how this rice turns out! I gave up my rice cooker a while back and have been making it on the stovetop. But this oven technique sounds intriguing!

[Muneeba]

Congrats to you & Jack! An MBA is a very big deal! And that rice looks deeeeeeeelish :)

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[Soccer Jerseys]

Haha glad you've found this rice. ;) Congratulations to your boyfriend!!

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Congratulations to Jack. That is a HUGE accomplishment, so much work!