Spanish Rice

Dear Zatarain's Spanish Rice,
I love you. I've loved you for years now, but it's finally over. I'm sorry. You're processed and I just can't make an exception anymore. I've gotten rid of almost all the processed foods I eat and you're one of the last to go. I know, I know, I still use canned tomatoes and beans, but that's different - I can't figure out how to effectively substitute them. We've made a recipe of our own (and I really like it), but I'll still miss you.
Love always,
Lil

Spanish Rice

1 cup white rice
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup water
1/2 an onion, diced
1T oregano
1t garlic powder
1T cumin
1T chili powder
smidge of cinnamon & cayenne
1T butter

• Saute the onions (in a little oil) in a smallish pot with a good lid.
• When the onions have just started to brown, sprinkle in all the spices (no salt) and saute until you're worried they're sticking to the pot.
• Stir in the rice, butter, water, and tomatoes and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover for 20 to 30 minutes.
  
• I know that rice usually has a strict time for cooking and you're not supposed to take the lid off, but I find that with all the added extras that doesn't work quite as well. I sneak a peak after 20 minutes, give it a little stir and then usually cook it for about 5 minutes more.
  
• When it's finished, add salt to taste. It's optional, but nice to stir in a little cilantro and lime at the end too.
  

The List - at the end of the week

Just so I don't seem too crazy I thought I'd show how much the list changes by the end of the week. This past week was a good example partly because John's insanely-good BBQed, whole chicken made enough for 8 people so we had to find a way to use it up.
The list is about planning on a day off, when there is time to think, so that we don't have to plan during the week when I can't make decisions. I bet part of why I don't eat enough vegetables is that the list is best when there aren't a lot of perishables on it (I just throw meat in the freezer if we end up not using it). The challenge I'm making to myself is to stop forgetting to use my vegies! Two zucchinis from two weeks ago are about to go to the compost bin.
We used the chicken for enchiladas, by the way, and we never did have peanut sauce (a.k.a. Dip for Dinner), but we're going to try to have it this week.

The List, week of 5.25.09

I think I've already said somewhere that I'm, well, obsessed with what I'm having for dinner. Here's a little example of how John and I handle that. The original idea for this blog was that we'd post the list and then every dinner that week. Then we realized that our food is not as interesting as all that.
We still make the list, though. Picture us in our bathrobes on Monday morning sipping tea and coffee at our sunny kitchen/dining table. In honor of Spring I went to the trouble to put out a retro table cloth - white with a floral border. There's always a little angst as we get down to one day left to fill, but it's usually a mellow weekend ritual.
The starred days are meals that I think will make good blog posts (so ambitious!).