Clean out the Veggie Drawer Rice

You know who you are. You are cleaning out the fridge and see a drawer full of veggies that you intended on cooking throughout last week. But, things got crazy and the kids had things. Before you throw them out, WAIT! Keep reading!

I was looking for a way to add a little zing to boring, old rice. The original recipe comes from Betty Crocker, my never ending cooking go-to guide. I found it in the poultry section as a stuffing, and thought it would be great as a chicken side. Well, it turned out better than just a side and became the main whoo-hoo of the dinner!

This one is dedicated to all of you out there who end up with a drawer full of veggies a week later after your grocery shopping. It's a great recipe on a Monday, or any day where you've cooked bacon the day before and have a couple of leftover pieces. HOLD UP....leftover bacon??? You can leave this part out, but as they say, bacon makes it better.

All veggies listed are optional and can be subbed for what you have.
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Clean out the Veggie Drawer Rice
2 TBsp butter or margarine
stalk of celery
1/4 cup chopped onion (any color will work here)
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of pepper
2 cups of cooked rice (leftover rice also works well here!)
Handful of chopped walnuts (pecans or almonds can be subbed, but please leave them out if you don't like 'em or if they'll send you to the emergency room)
Handful of raisins (not gross, trust me!!)
1/4 tsp paprika
4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled

My FAVORITE added veggies include: carrots, peppers, mushrooms or basically, any veggie that tastes good cooked. I think peas, eggplant or corn would be great as well. Throw in what you have!!

Melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onions, veggies, salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until veggies are tender. Remove from heat.

Stir in veggie mixture with the remainder of the ingredients. Serve warm or cold.

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Easy. Rice will never be the same for you and your family after you try this.