Cuban Rice & Sausage

This recipe is actually an adaptation of a Publix recipe.  I just tweaked the ingredients a little to match up with what I actually keep in my kitchen on a regular basis.  Publix stocks this sausage, but Costco also sells it.  It comes in a big package (of course!) but it is also pretty TasTY if you just slice it & fry it up plain for breakfast meat alongside some muffins & fruit.  So I have no worries of using it before it expires.  But back to the rice dish...

Ingredients:

5 links of Aidells Chicken-Apple sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

2 boxes of low-sodium chicken flavor Rice-a-Roni (6.9 oz each)

4 cups of water (not 5 cups, as you might think from the rice box directions)

1/4 - 1/2 cup diced dill pickles (I prefer Claussen sandwich slices, or prepared relish)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp dried Cilantro

Shredded Pepper Jack cheese, to desired taste

Directions:

1.  Preheat oil or butter in pan & begin preparing Rice-a-Roni as directed on box.  You can also add in the sliced sausages.  Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned.

2.  Stir in 1 cup water & seasoning mix packets.  Cook & stir for 1 or 2 minutes.  Then add remaining 3 cups of water.  Allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender & water is absorbed.

3.  Stir in diced pickles, mustard & cilantro.  Top with shredded cheese.  (The cheese can be a little hot, so that's why I wait to add it on last -- to only put on what "heat" I can tolerate!)

4.  Serve with a green salad or fresh fruit.