Amie Valpone of New York City has been named the grand-prize winner of USA Rice Federation’s “Bowl Us Over” contest. Valpone won a $500 gift card to the grocery store of her choice with an Orange Balsamic Herbed Rice Bowl. Perfect for a light meal, this winning bowl includes balsamic vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, macadamia nuts, chopped fresh basil and cilantro, topped with dollop of plain Greek yogurt and garnished with orange segments.
The “Bowl Us Over” contest challenged consumers to create delicious, budget-friendly U.S.-grown rice dishes and was held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of National Rice Month in September. The entries were judged on taste, creativity and originality. More rice bowl recipes from the winners are available at usarice.com/bowlusover.
“The contest was a great way to showcase the versatility, healthfulness and great flavor of U.S.-grown rice,” USA Rice Federation VP Domestic Promotion Anne Banville said. “It was difficult to narrow down the entries to just a few because there were many wonderful recipes.”
In addition to Valpone, other winners were announced:
* Mary Shivers of Ada, OK, earned a $250 gift card with a Chicken and Spinach Lemon Poppy Seed Rice Bowl. This salad rice bowl includes cooked diced chicken, fresh spinach, mandarin orange segments, diced green onions, fresh lemon juice, and poppy seed dressing.
* A $150 gift card for third place was awarded to Veronica Callaghan of Glastonbury, CT, whose Teriyaki Citrus Ginger Chicken Rice Bowl combines lemon zest, fresh grated ginger, honey, teriyaki sauce, and cooked diced chicken served in lettuce bowls.
* Seven runners-up also received an Aroma rice cooker.
Rice bowls are just one way to create quick, nutritious, one-pot meals. At 10 cents per serving, enriched-white and whole-grain brown rice contribute more than 15 vitamins and minerals, are low in calories, sodium- and cholesterol-free, gluten-free and have only a trace of fat with no trans or saturated fat. Wild rice combines well with white and brown rice to add texture, crunch and whole-grain goodness. Rice is the perfect partner for vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, tofu and beans, and fits for any meal occasion.
Posted 11/16/10.
