Creamy Italian Chicken With Porcini Mushrooms Kit

1½ cups long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried marjoram

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon powdered garlic

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

2 packages (½ ounce each) dried porcini mushrooms, cut or broken into small pieces

¼ cup dried red bell peppers (optional)

1½ teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach a gift label.

Makes 1 gift bag (four servings).

The preparation instructions should read: In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3¼ cups chicken broth and 1¼ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then let the pan stand off the heat for 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup sour cream.

Serves four.

Cook's note: You can find gift tags for this kit that include instructions for preparing the dinner at tinyurl.com/6x77p6.

Associated Press