From Denny: Are you a fan of rice dishes? Sure beats the "bread bloat." Who doesn't love good bread? But there is only so much of it you can eat without feeling like you have to squeeze into your jeans. Grains like rice, oatmeal and quinoa are healthier choices if you don't want to invest in new clothes.

Mardi Gras season is upon us in Louisiana where we blow it out on the calories and rich foods. This casserole dish was developed for the Lenten season that follows afterward when a lot of people swear off eating meat for 40 days.

The truth is Louisiana people are total carnivores but we love our seafood too, especially when combined with cheese like in this dish. Somehow, dining on the best seafood Louisiana has to offer does not exactly fit into the "deprivation" category but we continue to delude ourselves every year. These Lenten season resolutions are a lot like New Year's resolutions that rarely get honored. :)

OK, everyone raise their hands if they love simple and easy recipes. Yes, this is one of those dishes. It comes from one of Louisiana's premier rice producers, Falcon Rice Mill in Crowley, Louisiana. The mill was founded in 1942 by Edward and Evelyn Falcon. Their rice products are known under these names: Cajun Country, TORO, Laredo, Home Country and Jackpot.

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Spicy Shrimp With Rice

From: Christine Fulton, Falcon Rice Mill in Crowley, Louisiana

Serves: 4 - 6

Ingredients:

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tablespoon parsley flakes

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 stick butter, melted

2 lbs. raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 (8-oz.) pkg. of Velveeta, diced

2 to 21/2 cups cooked rice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix dry spices, Worcestershire and melted butter. Place shrimp in a 13-inch x 9-inch casserole dish. Pour butter mixture over shrimp and stir to coat.

3. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in Velveeta and rice. Put back into oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4. Stir and serve.

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