Simple Chicken and Rice

1. Lightly coat chicken with 1 tablespoon of the spiced blend.

2. In large skillet cook chicken in hot olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side; remove from skillet. Stir remaining spiced blend and rice into skillet; cook 1 minute. Add 2-1/2 cups water; return chicken to skillet. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes.

3. Add pea pods to skillet. Cover. Cook 5 minutes more or until rice is tender. Serve with parsley and lemon wedges. Makes 4 servings.

Spiced Tomato-Mushroom Blend:In large bowl combine all ingredients. Place the mixture, one-fourth at a time, in blender. Cover and blend 30 seconds or until tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer to storage container. Refrigerate; use seasoning blend within 1 month. Makes 8 (1/4-cup) portions.

*Test Kitchen Tip:To remove grit from dried mushrooms, place in sieve and rinse under cold running water. Drain and pat dry. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until dry and crisp.