Saffron Rice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped onions 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1 cup converted rice or parboiled rice 1/4 cup almond slivers 1/2 teaspoon saffron stems 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 1/2 cups water Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste.

Risotto 3 cups fresh or canned chicken broth 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 1 cup Arborio rice or converted Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup dry white wine 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Basic Rice Pilaf 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup converted or parboiled rice 1 1/2 cups fresh or canned chicken broth or water 3 parsley sprigs 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

SWEET POTATO HOME FRIES Total time: 30 minutes 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 or 4 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 cup chopped parsley leaves.

Turmeric Raisin Rice 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1 cup converted rice 1/3 cup raisins 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried 4 drop Tabasco sauce 1 bay leaf 1 1/2 cups water Salt and ground pepper to taste.

Rice With Raisins and Pine Nuts 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1 cup converted rice 1 cup raisins 1/4 cup pine nuts 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon butter Salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter 6 cloves garlic 1 cup cleaned insects Directions: Melt butter in fry pan.

Garlic-Ginger Press Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 1 cup minced garlic 1 cup minced fresh ginger root 1/4 cup sesame oil.

Transfer beans to a bowl and gently mix with garlic, parsley, one-fourth cup of the oil, salt and pepper.

Shrimp and Artichoke Salad Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes 24 medium-size shrimp, about 1 pound 16 bottled artichoke bottoms, packed in oil 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 cup olive oil 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice.