Cooking is good after power is restored

After 11 days with no electricity, and a lot of fast food and sandwiches, this is the first thing I cooked for myself.

I had lost the contents of my refrigerator and freezer, so it had to be something that didn't need any refrigerated ingredients.

It was delicious, and I ate like a ravenous hyena.

Try it; you'll like it.

Rice Pilaf with Cashews and Raisins

3 T. olive or vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced or slivered

1/2 t. garlic powder

1 c. long grain rice

2 1/4 c. chicken stock (I used bouillon cubes and water

1 c. golden raisins

2 dashes curry powder *optional (not necessary)

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1 c. chopped cashews

In olive oil, sauté onion till soft. Add rice and garlic powder and continue to stir-fry about 5 minutes until rice is golden. Add chicken stock, raisins, spices. Cover and simmer over very low heat, about 20-30 minutes, till rice is done. If it starts to stick, add a little more water. If you are using dry roasted cashews, just add after rice is done. If using raw cashews, toast them in a little butter before adding. Serves 4-6 (or just me after the ice storm.)