Bite of the Best

What it is: An all-natural seasoned rice mix, ready in 25 minutes How it comes: An 8-ounce package that makes 4 servings Where it is: In the supermarket rice aisle, at foxriverrice.com or at amazon.com Who it's for: Anyone looking for a convenient all-natural rice mix Suggested retail price: $2.00 Nutrition notes: A serving provides 210 calories, 1 gram fat, 3 grams fiber and a modest 300 milligrams sodium Category: Tasteful Tidbits

Bonnie: Sometimes we overlook exceptional products. Accidentally.

As you can imagine, food companies are always reaching out to us to include their product as a FeaturedBite. We’re optimistic that we may find a gem within what’s sent to us, and attempt to test each and every one of them — emphasis on attempt.

Bryan beat me to the testing of Fox River Rice. He tried the samples, liked them and wrote a TidBite on them — something we do occasionally with products we like, but don’t meet our high FeaturedBite standards. In this case, we goofed.

I finally taste-tested the Fox River Pepper & Herb Rice one night when I needed a base for some steamed shrimp that I was trying. I had low expectations, as I had yet to try a rice mix that I liked. I was pleasantly surprised how delicious it was.

Bryan was right.

Next night, I tried their Porcini Arborio rice mix. Not only does it taste delicious, it’s also easy to prepare, reasonably priced, comparatively low in sodium and sports a clean ingredient list. What I mean is that this “convenience food” contains only ingredients you’d add at home. I like that.

And so Fox River Porcini Arborio Rice does meet our criteria — that’s why we’ve selected it as a FeaturedBite.

Fox River’s other products are also good; we feel this is the best.

Bryan: Yes, Bonnie does take the lead most often. But watch out BOTB readers… my picks are making a strong showing! As you have likely read by now, Fox River was one of my “darlings,” and I’m glad my co-authors finally got around to tasting it so we can further share this great product.

I recently did write a TidBite about this rice, noting how most of what we’ve tested of late has been of the instant variety. As a general rule of thumb, Americans do not spend much time on dinner (34 minutes actually). In our never-ending race to create an entire meal before the local news ends, we’ve created ever-faster methods to prepare historically long-cooking items (like rice). As a person with ever-dwindling free time, I am truly a fan of these products. The problem is that you will always make trade-offs when you seek a reduced cooking time. Dishes take a certain time for a reason — flavors and textures need to develop. Cooking is not magic, people; it’s a bit of a science. We’re not eating magical space pellets yet, and even when we do, a real risotto will always take about a half hour, but always attended.

While I am not looking to have risotto every night, Fox River offers an excellent middle ground. This is not instant rice, since the cooking time is 20-25 minutes, but it is not slow-cooking rice, either. With a good simmer time, Fox River will be finished when your protein dish is ready. Just start it first thing as you began to prepare your meal. The best part is that it’s ready to eat five minutes after the timer goes off. The rice is pre-seasoned (not with that awfully high-sodium tasting junk — this is all natural) and contains dried mushrooms. It wants for nothing but a garnish (dash of basil or parsley) to set on the table.

Slowing down with this traditional rice from Fox River, the Porcini Arborio variety did impress me the most, and my family seems to agree with me. This is “a creamy, earthy blend of Arborio rice and porcini mushrooms from the valleys of Italy.” The ingredients are not hiding anything: porcini mushrooms, organic stock, garlic, onion, salt, parsley, sugar, black pepper and cayenne. This is rice with bold, delightful flavor. As I mentioned, my first run-through was paired with a bit of leftover lamb leg and a glass of Cote du Rhone…. It was simple and it was fantastic. Give Fox River Rice a taste; try a “Gene Pick.”

Eric: While I’ve been writing for BOTB, I’ve reviewed rice products twice before and if it weren’t for the color of the rice, there honestly would be no difference in my reviews. That is, rice is rice. There are no frills and little unexpected excitement. Simply put, it’s rice.

Throughout my cooking experience, rices (as well as pasta, couscous and beans) have been similar to that of a painter’s canvas – they are the blank starting points for creation. Rarely have I opened a can of beans, dumped it on a plate and said “Voila!”(reminding me of many of today’s modern artists). Over the years, I’ve experimented with different spices, herbs and flavors and, although it hurts me to say it, Fox River has created a product that’s “bested” my experiments. Taste – it has it. Quality – it’s there. Price – more than affordable. Decision – try it, you’ll have a new favorite side dish.