Rice Pilaf.....

I used to make rice pilaf from a box all the time for my husband and I. Well I did until we started to have kids and what we put into our bodies became more important to me.  I now opt out of many pre-packaged, freeze dried, chemically laden foods as possible. 
I recently bought a box... (oh lord I did say that out loud!)... of rice pilaf. I have never seen my kids be so enthusiastic over their food.... so that got me thinking, there has to be a better way to make rice pilaf then to have to purchase one made out of unnatural or over processed ingredients. So here is my version of it. The base recipe will get you something delicious and there are add ins to play with if you'd like to change it up.

Rice Pilaf
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup broken spaghetti
2 Tsp butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cup chicken stock

1. Saute the rice, pasta and butter till pasta begins to brown over med high heat
2. Add the onions and saute until soft.
3. Stir in the chicken stock, cover and simmer for 15 min.
4. Salt and pepper to taste, serve and enjoy

Add-ins:
1/2 cup sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts added at end
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms added with 5 min remaining for simmer
1/2 cup chopped broccoli added with 5 min remaining for simmer, then 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese added at end.

I like this version way better. I already purchase organic basmati rice, whole wheat pasta and veggies so I know they are without chemicals.
I make my own chicken stock, so I know how it is flavored.
And like my veggies to still be crisp and not reconstituted.

Please let me know if you have any other awesome add-ins. I'd love to try them!