The Zojirushi Rice Cooker

If it takes you awhile to make a decision about a rice cooker purchase, like 4 or 5 years, debate no more! This is THE ONE! Around Christmas time, after reading countless reviews on Amazon to figure out which rice cooker I wanted to buy when my worthless, but inexpensive, little 20 year old burn-50%-of-all rice-and-stick-to-the-pan rice cooker gave me one fit too many. I bought the five cup version which is just fine for Doug and I, but if you have a large family or cook for the masses, you might want to consider a larger version.

So just for rice, you might ask? And my answer would be no.  "No", coupled with pointing you toward this book as well, and then, when you're done experimenting with the most perfect steel cut oatmeal ever (timed to be ready for you in the morning, with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, slivered almonds or maybe pumpkin spice), you can venture into things like lentil-rice salads with feta and black olives.

Don't you feel healthier just reading this?  So save your pennies (or dollars) for this one, and if you can force yourself to spend some of your money or this rather than photographic equipment (I know, I know, I hear the groans), think of how you'll live longer to take more shots! (Because you'll be eating more whole grains and veggies and fewer slabs of bloody meat.)