Easy Spanish rice recipe

I was going to write a long, ranty, and hopefully at least somewhat amusing post about my allergies to the California privet tree and the miseries sustained thereby, but fortunately I think they're getting somewhat better. (Or at least I did till a day or two ago.  I think I need to switch allergy meds; my nose is just really sensitive now to anything floating by.  Afrin, here I come.) 

Instead, I will post the recipe for the Spanish rice that we made last weekend!  It was pleasant and easy, and I'd certainly consider making it again, with reduced amounts if it's just for the two of us, or similar amounts if we have guaranteed people to help us eat it.  This recipe comes from here, and the modifications come from the reviews. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white rice (we used jasmine 'cuz that's what we have)
• 1 small can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
• 1 can plain tomato sauce (about 1.5 cups)
• 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 of a medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• some oregano (somewhere between 1 and 3 tsp)
• splash of ketchup (about a tablespoon)

In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add in the fresh garlic and onion. Saute for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add in dry rice. Stir for about 5 minutes until rice becomes a golden brown color. Add in broth and tomato sauce (Slowly into rice, not directly onto hot pan!) [NB - if you don't, you'll end up with chicken-and-tomato spatter all over.  You might still, even if you pour onto the rice.].  Add cumin, oregano, and ketchup.  Stir it up and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and fluff with a fork.

Quite tasty while not being overly exciting; I imagine it's pretty kid-friendly.  Makes a bunch - if you have only two people eating, it lasts as a side dish for chili for several nights.

Continuing briefly in the food theme:

Ganked from myfoodlooksfunny.com in the So... Wrong... category:



According to the site, these are pineberries.  They're a variety of strawberry, generally smaller than the usual ones, are quite fragrant, and have a mild pineapple flavor. 

My brain might just go asplode now.  Goodnight!