My dad, Jean-Guy, makes the best Basmati rice, period. It’s light, fluffy and delicious served with just about anything. He’s passed the recipe to my brother-in-law, Etienne, who’s been kind enough to share it with me.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the rice under running cool water for 1 minute.
2. Add the water, butter and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the rice to the water and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the bay leaf, cover the pan, turn the heat to low and cook without removing the lid for 35 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat then fluff with a fork gently.

Makes 6 servings.