I basically follow the one on the side of a box of Trader Joe's brand Arborio Rice (reddish box). One entire box is pretty close to a triple batch which is what I made for the Kon. I always end up needing extra stock than what the recipe says and I cook it for much more than the 20 minutes stated in the recipe. (Usually 40+ minutes, but just keep testing the doneness of the rice. You have to stand at the stove almost constantly during this step 3 because you're adding more hot stock every couple of minutes.)

In addition to the ingredients listed in the recipe, I add a couple cloves of pressed garlic, chopped artichoke bottoms, and diced proscuitto to the sauteing sweet onion. Most of the ingredients can be bought at Trader Joe's. Stock can be found in those vacuum sealed boxes in the soup aisle (I used a combo of chicken and veggie for the Kon; buy at least one extra 32 oz box). The only items that you might not be able to find at TJ are artichoke bottoms and white cooking wine. You could use artichoke hearts or regular white wine though. Start to finish, making this dish takes around 90 minutes. The first time I made it, it wasn't that great either. It improves with practice. Red bean, rice, kielbasa (much faster, easier, less complicated): Buy boxes of Farmhouse brand Red Beans & Rice (found near the RiceARoni at Safeway, QFC, and Fred Meyer that I know of) Buy (a) ring(s) of turkey kielbasa Buy shredded cheese or shred your own I use two boxes of beans and rice for each one kielbasa (I did four boxes rice and two kielbasas for the Kon lunch) Basically follow the directions on the rice box: combine water, butter, rice& beans, seasoning packet, kielbasa (cut up) and simmer with the lid on (do not stir or lift the lid) for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with cheese as desired. Happy Cooking, Nub