Mexican Sour Cream Rice

 An excellent side dish for a Mexican meal - or to make a meal like Taco Soup or Enchiladas stretch further.

Cook 2C long grain white rice in 4C chicken broth. (Bring to boil on stove, lower temp to low and let cook for 20mins/until broth is absorbed and rice is cooked/tender)

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x13

Mix all below in the pot with the rice, once it's done, and stir - season to taste with salt & pepper. Only use 1C cheese, and save the other 1C to top.

2 C sour cream

2 (4oz) cans diced green chile peppers, undrained

2 C shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, divided

2 (8.75 oz) cans whole kernel corn, drained (or use frozen)

1/2 C finely chopped cilantro

salt & pepper to taste

Transfer the rice mixture to the 9x13 and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered 30 mins until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Can use other cheeses for different flavor.

Can be made ahead and reheated, but cooking time will be longer if reheating from room temp or cold.

Asian Lettuce Rolls

 2 pkg (3oz each) chicken flavor Ramen noodles

2 C coarsely chopped cooked chicken

1 each: red pepper, yellow pepper

1/2C thinly sliced green onions

2 T soy sauce

2 t lettuce wrap sauce in Asian section at Kroger

2 t vegetable oil

1 garlic clove, pressed

1 half inch piece of peeled fresh gingerroot, pressed

1 medium cucumber, scored, seeded and thinly sliced

julienned carrots

peanuts, chopped, optional

zoodles, fresh

pistasicos or other seeds/nuts

Boston lettuce leaves

1 jar (11.5 oz) sweet and sour sauce

Cook the ramen noodle with the flavor packet, and drain noodles when done.

Use some of the bell peppers and chop. Mix with noodles, chicken and green onions.

Combine soy sauce, seasoning mix, oil, garlic and gingerroot. Pour over noodle/chicken mixture, toss to coat, cover & refrigerate.

Slice bell peppers that are left into thin strips, and set out with other toppings.

To serve, pile noodles/chicken mixture with veggies & seeds on top of lettuce (or make rice). Drizzle with sweet and sour sauce.