Cherry cheesecake rice bites
May 10, 2021
ONTARIO, CANADA – A culinary idea that has been simmering for many years has finally taken shape in the form of a game-changing rice crouton. This rather genius combination of cooked and pureed rice creates a sponge-like texture, perfect for flavor absorption. The concept was developed by USA Rice Canada to encourage Canadian consumers to re-think rice beyond conventional usages.
Created with both novice and adventurous home chefs in mind, eight crouton recipe variations were cooked up, all of which will be promoted as part of the 2021 hero rice recipe campaign that launches next month. The rice crouton recipe also delivers a fun factor, making it ideal for all age groups and skill levels. From ice cube trays to candy molds, cookie cutters to free-form cutting, the rice mixture will conform to any shape. Once chilled, the shapes are sauteed to a slightly crispy crouton texture but soft inside and can then be immediately dusted or tossed in dry store-bought seasonings such as TexMex, Korean BBQ, or apple pie spice and cinnamon sugar, or flavor combinations like butter and Buffalo sauce or sesame seeds and teriyaki sauce.
Home chefs are encouraged to cook rice in broths to create authentic multicultural croutons, such as Greek (spinach and feta), Thai (coconut milk and curry paste) and, traditional Thanksgiving (gravy and fresh herbs). A cherry cheesecake rice bite recipe is a perfect dessert option.
“This new usage approach supports recent research that nearly a quarter of Canadians would consume rice more often if they knew more ways to use it,” said Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice director of international promotion for the Western Hemisphere. “New recipes ideas aimed at encouraging consumption of long, medium, and short grain U.S.-grown rice will help increase rice purchases. Reinventing rice, one delicious bite at a time, is a great way to get Canadians to be more creative in the kitchen.”
Enticing rice crouton photographs will be integrated across the USA Rice Canada social media platforms, in digital ads, on the website, and as part of a paid media campaign. These activities will educate consumers on the endless usage applications, which can elevate store-bought and home-made meals, and feed into new snacking occasions served deskside or for on-the-go.
“The campaign reminds Canadians why U.S.-grown rice is a coveted pantry staple and celebrate rice’s versatility,” said Grigsby. “Canada does not produce rice which makes U.S.-origin the closest thing to home grown.”
Annual per capita consumption of rice in Canada reached 24 pounds in 2020. Canada is the third largest importer of U.S. milled rice, bringing in over 230,000 MT last year.