Feel free to dress up this easy side dish by adding a few slices of apple with the onion. On the other hand, when you're in a hurry you can leave out the onion — stir in the cinnamon and margarine after removing the rice from the microwave.

• Place the onion and margarine in a microwave-safe 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon on top. Microwave on high heat for 1½ minutes. Stir and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the onion is tender.

• Add the white rice, orange juice, and water. Microwave on high heat for 10 minutes. Stir the rice and microwave for short periods (first 2 minutes, then 1 minute) at a time until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked (total cooking time for the rice should be 14 to 15 minutes).

• Remove the rice from the microwave. Stir in the raisins.

• Let the cooked rice stand for 5 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Know Your Rice

The main difference between long- and short-grain rice isn't the length of the grains but rather the type of starch each one contains. Long-grain rice is high in amylase, which makes it turn out light and fluffy. Short-grain rice (like the arborio rice) contains a higher ratio of amylopectin, which makes the rice grains sticky. If you like your rice light and fluffy, always use long-grain rice when making plain rice to serve as a side dish.