light essentials: tuna, rice & cheese tower

How To Make light essentials: tuna, rice & cheese tower

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 3
  Cook the rice and reserve.
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  Step 4
  Chef’s Tip: Most long-grain white rice requires a two-to-one ratio (two parts water to one part rice). I prefer to reduce the water by 25 percent, and cut the simmering time by five minutes. I think the rice has a more distinct mouth feel, and makes it less mushy.
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  Step 5
  Cook the bacon to your desired crispiness, and then drain on paper towels.
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  Step 6
  THE TUNA SALAD
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  Step 7
  Add the tuna salad ingredients to a small bowl.
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  Step 8
  Use a fork to gently combine the ingredients.
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  Step 9
  Not all tuna brands are created equal. I prefer a brand called: Wild Planet Albacore, water packed. They do not just dredge the sea with huge nets, picking up everything in their paths; instead they are 100% pole and line caught. In addition, they catch the younger tuna, and that means they have had less time to absorb toxins. And the best part is that it tastes great. It is a win-win situation.
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  Step 10
  Chef’s Tip: I think that everyone likes their tuna salad a different way. Some like chopped hard-boiled eggs; some do not. Some like chopped onions; some do not. You get the idea. The ingredients I chose are what I like, so make the tuna salad pretty much anyway you like… After all, you are the chef.
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  Step 11
  Take two ounces of rice, and press it into the ring.
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  Step 12
  Take half of the tuna, and press it into the ring.
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  Step 13
  Add another two ounces of rice, and press down firmly.
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  Step 14
  Remove the ring, and repeat for the second tower.
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  Step 15
  Lay two pieces of Swiss cheese on the top of each of the rice/tuna towers.
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  Step 16
  Place into the oven, and bake until the cheese melts over the towers, and begins to bubble, about 4 – 6 minutes.
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  Step 17
  Chef’s Tip: If the cheese gets too hot, it will melt, slide down the tower, and puddle at the bottom. So, as soon as it melts, and coats the sides of the tower, it is ready.
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  Step 18
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 19
  Chef’s Note: I like to cut it in half before laying on the greens, but that is totally up to you.
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  Step 20
  Lay some fresh garden greens on a plate, drizzle with a bit of balsamic reduction, and lay the tuna/rice/cheese tower on top. Finally, add that yummy bacon.Enjoy.
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  Step 21
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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