To say that I’ve changed the way I cook since I’ve been batching it in the Jimmy Rockford (my RV) would be an understatement.
For starters, there’s no Calphalon saucepan here. Neither was I allowed to bring either of the All-Clad copper core skillets. And when I lobbied to transfer the Vitamix from our kitchen on Chestnut Lane, my bride just laughed at me and handed me the Black & Decker mini-chopper. I can be thankful though that she doesn’t care to cook in cast iron, nor does she keep a current inventory of our large plastic bowls.
Those cheap bowls were originally intended to hold popcorn as I spread out in my new digs to watch Criminal Minds. But, alas, Internet service on the road generally stinks and I can’t stand the idea of having a dish perched atop or beside my little aluminum abode. So the sky-blue plastic dome that I quietly stole from my own home has found a new purpose … as my Florentine bowl. (Don’t make fun! I’m sure you have a sundae dish or a paella pan! I just happen to own the world’s first Florentine bowl!)
The following recipe is one that I’ve made for years, with little adjustments here and there. This is just a starting point though. For a creamier dish, add more cream and cheese. Toss in a pinch of dried basil or even some red pepper flakes for a little kick. And for crying out loud, if you have a few shrimp just sitting in the fridge, sear them and mix them in for a wonderful (and quick) main dish.
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Meyer Lemon Rice Florentine
Meyer Lemon Rice Florentine – Yep. This beauty takes fewer than 10 minutes.
- 1 cup – Cooked rice (cold, leftover rice is fine)
- 8 oz – Fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup – Heavy cream
- ¼ cup – Shredded Parmesan or Gruyere
- 1 – Garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp – Kosher salt
- Juice and zest of 1 Meyer lemon*
- In a large microwavable bowl, combine cream, garlic, salt, lemon juice and zest.
- Add spinach and rice and mix slightly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high setting (1,000 watt microwave) for 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove plastic; stir mixture; re-cover and microwave for another 3 minutes.
- Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes; remove plastic; stir in Parmesan.
- Season with additional salt, if desired.