Many recipes for brown rice can require special equipment (like a rice cooker) or time consuming stovetop methods that are not always foolproof. This recipe for baked brown rice is perfect every time and eliminates the risk of poorly cooked rice.
While white rice many be more popular, brown rice clearly is the best choice in terms of health benefits. The process of creating white rice removes almost of all of its original nutrients, and according to the World’s Healthiest Foods website, “the complete milling and polishing that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids”.
Brown rice has been shown to help lower cholesterol, has a low glycemic rating which helps reduce insulin spikes, and is rich in anti-oxidants and high in fiber. This recipe is probably the most basic, but you can add flavor by substituting chicken or vegetable broth for the water. Once the rice is cooked, add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil, or sprinkle with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Most people look at an artichoke and think: "What do I do with this?"
But artichokes only look intimidating, they're actually easy to prepare
once you know how. Originally from the Mediterranean, artichokes have a
history that dates back to Roman times. There are countless cultivated
varieties, especially in Italy, where artichokes are enjoyed in many
different preparations including raw salads, stuffed and baked, steamed,
grilled, etc. In the States we have just two varieties: the large globe
and small baby. The simplest way to prepare artichokes is steaming. Not
only is it easy to do, the method also retains the subtle flavors that
make artichokes so revered.
Have you opened your freezer lately? I bet it's completely full just like mine. And how about the pantry? In the freezer I had a package of peas and sliced pancetta leftover from this 
We're so glad we get to eat this for the next four years! -Amy Ephron
I've spent a good chunk of the last two weeks surrounded by spreadsheets, crumpled paper packets, cartons of dairy products and dirty ramekins. Josef Centeno has a lot to answer for.