The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook Review

The Book

Authors Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann have written a "must have" cookbook if you have a rice cooker or are contemplating purchasing a rice cooker. The book has an invaluable section on the development of the rice cooker and 250 simple to follow recipes. There are many vegetarian recipes but a good sprinkling of meat, poultry and fish recipes too.

The Rice Cooker Machine

Ms Kaufmann does not recommend specific models but provides in-depth information so you can make a purchasing decision. All the basic features of a rice cooker are well described. If you already own a rice cooker this section is still useful so you can better understand the machines flexibility and the many ways it can be used.

Read More About How To Select A Rice Cooker>>

Pot Of Rice

This section of the book provides descriptions of 25 types of rice. Learn about varieties that may be new to you and try new recipes included in the book.

Recipes

Just glance at the table of contents of the recipe section of the book and you can see the amazing versatility of the rice cooker machine. Each recipe tells you for which rice cooker the recipe is appropriate, the correct cycle setting and yield.

Recipe Categories

1. The perfect pot of rice - the basics to making perfect rice in your cooker.
2. Little meals - simple little recipes for everyday meals. These are very good for the dorm room or college cook. 
3. Pilafs, Risotto, Sushi - These three sections include over 45 recipes from simple Pilaf to Italian Risotto with dried porcini mushrooms. There are even recipes for Arroz con Pollo and Rice Cooker Paella. Even learn to make sushi rice and use it to create your own California Roll sushi. 
4. The Whole-grain Cooker - section describes and provides recipes for over a dozen grains including Barley, Rye Berries, Wheat Berries, Wild Rice, Bulgar, Quinoa, Couscous, Buckwheat Groats, Kasha, and Farro. 
5. Hominy - Find recipes for posole (pozole) polenta, and grits
6. Porridge - The book goes far beyond basic oatmeal and includes recipes like Hot Apple Granola, Rice and Sweet Potato Porridge, Morning Rice Pudding, and Mixed Grain Porridge. 
7. Beans and Legumes - This section of the book includes a handy chart of beans with the amount of water need to cook them and cooking time. Learn how to make Split Pea Soup, Vegetarian Chile, Frijoles Negros, and various lentil recipes. 
8. Vegetables in the Rice Cooker - Includes eleven pages of tips, recipes and vegetable steaming basics. 
9. Whole Meal Steam Cuisine - Complete meals in a pot include chicken breasts, halibut steaks, salmon, flank steak, sausages, and shrimp. 
10. Little Bites - I would have never thought to steam tamales in a rice cooker but this is a terrific idea! There are lots of ideas for steaming little food "bundles" like dolmas, dumplings and rice in lotus leaves. 
11. Desserts - Try puddings, poached fruits, brandied sauces and more. 
12. Rice Leftovers - I never realized you can reheat your rice to perfect temperature in your rice cooker! There are over 24 recipes and uses for your leftover rice. 
13. Stocks - Recipes include stocks for game, turkey, vegetable, fish and chicken.