SPANISH RICE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 tablespoons butter or drippings
• 1 lb. ground fresh lean beef
• 1 medium-sized onion (cut very fine)
• 1 can (No. 2) tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 stalk celery (cut small)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ lb. grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak rice in water for 2 hours, then drain.
2. Gradually add rice to boiling salted water in a double boiler.
3. Melt butter in a frying pan, add onion, and fry until brown. Add meat and cook until lightly browned.
4. Add tomatoes, salt, celery, sugar, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add rice and cheese if desired, and bake for 1 hour at 325°F. Let stand for 20 minutes before serving.