My earliest memories involve being in the kitchen alongside my grandma. Listening to her stories was a great way to learn. I began to see the connection between eating well and feeling good, and I have been astonished at how much joy cooking brings me.
Time spent together in the kitchen can help children develop healthy habits and strengthen families. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of Uncle Ben’s Bens Beginners’ Cooking Contest. This contest encourages parents and children to cook together, helping to establish healthy eating habits early in life.
Ben’s Beginners invites parents of children in grades K-8, to send home videos of their family making a rice-based meal and discuss their experiences. cooking togetherFor a chance to win $15,000 cash and a $30,000 cafeteria makeover at their child’s school, as well as other prizes, sign the Cooking Together pledge. You can register your family to the Cooking Together contest until October 6, 2013. www.unclebens.com.
Nearly daily, in my restaurants as well as in my own home, I am reminded about the power of good food to bring people closer. Let’s celebrate healthy food and teach our next generation to respect our bodies!
Summer Spiced Rice Fully Loaded
2 tablespoons olive oils
1 clove chopped garlic
1/2 cup fresh corn, cut from the cob
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Uncle Ben’s Rice
2 chopped tomatoes
1 scallion chopped
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/2 avocado diced
Make a juice from 1 lemon
Coconut milk can be canned
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
On medium heat, heat the olive oils in a large saucepan. Toast the rice, garlic, corn, coriander and paprika for 3 minutes.
Use half the water that Uncle Ben recommends for coconut milk to replace it with canister coconut milk. Stir both into the skillet and allow them to simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool on the stove. Incorporate the tomato, cilantro scallion avocado, lemon juice, and scallion. Season with salt, pepper, and serve with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Marcus Samuelsson, an Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef, is a bestselling author. He has appeared on Top Chef America, Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef as well as Chopped.
