Baked Brown “Fried” Rice with Vegetables, Nassau County School District, Florida

Allyn Graves, director of food service for the district, says this recipe was created to help meet the USDA’s new meal regulations. Next school year, all grains served at lunch must be 100% whole grain rich. The district’s goal is to get to that this year, and this recipe is helping Graves achieve that goal. “We’re trying to go to more home cooked,” Graves says. “We’re also trying to use items we have on hand, like the brown rice.” The “fried” rice is served with an Orange Chipotle Fusion Chicken. The recipe, which was developed last year, was further tweaked over the summer. More soy and garlic and less ginger are being used this year. “Younger children take food based on color, and this dish has great color,” Graves says. “This dish is nutritious, it tastes good and it helps us meet the new regs.”