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Dear Haoyou,

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, and I have to say I miss you. I’ve been having a great time traveling across the world without having to worry about the circus. I’ve been new places, met new people, and seen new things. Enough about me, are you still making those kites of yours? I hope so, your kites were the best I’ve seen in quite awhile

Me and Mipeng have had a great time together. We make a great couple. Have been with anybody recently? If you have I’d love to hear about it. I hope you’re married with kids. I also hope that you’re mother and sister were able to attend the wedding. I would’ve if I wasn’t traveling the world.

What happened to that man you mentioned, Di Chou? I hope he suffered for his crimes against your family. I’m really sorry for the loss of your father, though if he could see you now he’d probably think his death was for the best. Your one of the best people I know. I miss you a lot, and so does Mipeng.

Sincerely, The Great Miao.

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I had to leave Dagu, my hometown, for the circus. I’ll really miss my home, I’ve spent my whole life there. I hope I won’t get too homesick. I won’t have to worry about seeing Uncle Bo again, but I won’t be able to see my mother and sister. I saved Khutulun, the bird catcher's daughter, by flying up in a kite and looking for her. I feel happy for reuniting Khutulun with her family. Maybe they aren’t barbarians after all! I feel bad for thinking they were uncivilized and dumb. I flew in a kite for Kublai Khan's enjoyment. I can’t believe it! I didn’t think I’d ever perform in front of somebody of this importance! I’ve really come a long way since I first joined the circus.

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Di Chou started a fire at my house that ruined the house and the kites I made to sell. This is awful! Di Chou is ruining my life again! I hope my family will be able to make money without my mother having to marry the evil Di Chou. To get rid of Di Chou I got a ship to sail away by helping them out by flying above the ship in a kite to test the wind. I’m so glad I was able to get rid of Di Chou, now my mother won’t have to marry him. I also got to fly! Flying was the craziest and most fun thing I’ve ever done! A strange man came and offered me a free apprenticeship in the circus because I flew in a kite. I’m nervous about joining the circus, I won’t be able to see my family nearly as much, maybe even not at all! At least I won’t be a burden for my family because I’ll be able to make my own money.

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When my dad was setting sail, his first mate, Di Chou, killed him in cold-blood. I’m just really shocked about the whole thing, I can’t believe that my dad is dead. Honestly, I only wish he died peacefully, in his sleep, rather than in a fight. My dad’s spirit told me that I should make kites, and follow my passion, to support my family in this time of crisis. Though I’m sad that my dad died, and I have to support my family now, at least I get to do something I love. I flew my first kite, after hours upon hours of work on all my kites, and the kite flew magnificently, just like a dragon, the shape that it’s in. I’m so relieved that I get to sell my kites, my family is nearly broke, and it’s killing me! I’m glad I get to do what I love.

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A Curved Sword used for fighting in wars in China.

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The silk tunic was a gift Haoyou received from the Great Miao. This just adds to the silk tunic's importance, because Haoyou has respect for the  Great Miao. The silk tunic was also one of the most valuable and nicest pieces of clothing Haoyou owned. Most of all the silk tunic is what allowed Haoyou to have such a presence in the sky, and get names like Qigi.

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The flying kite was very important to Haoyou. The flying kite allowed Haoyou to fly for the first time. The kite is also is what got Haoyou into the circus and away from his family, which he didn't want to be around at the moment. The kite even allowed Haoyou to make money, because Haoyou was paid by the circus to fly the kite for people's entertainment.

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The dragon kite was the first kite of Haoyou's creation that he flew when he went on a kite-making spree. Without the kite, Haoyou wouldn't know that his kites would actually work. The Dragon kite was also one of Haoyou's most culturally-appropriate kites because dragons are very important in Chinese culture. The kite was also the first kite that Haoyou's potential buyers had seen.

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The tiger dream catcher was a dream catcher that Haoyou got from his mother. The dream catcher's importance increased because of it being a gift from Haoyou's mother. The dream catcher was also useful, as it stopped Haoyou's nightmares. The dream catcher even had a cool design!

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Patch the coat-dog was the patch on Haoyou's coat. Haoyou treasured Patch, he even sewed him on his new silk tunic. Haoyou also believed Patch brought good luck. Patch was a faithful inanimate companion to Haoyou throughout his journey.

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A classic Chinese vessel.

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Rice was very easy to grow and very common in China which made it really important. Rice has been important for a long time too, it's been around since 2,500 B.C.E. Even though rice has been around a long time, it's still commonly eaten in China today, usually steamed. You can see how to cook rice in the video below!

Sources: Rice History, Rice Recipe (click to get to website)

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A very good pot of rice has the ability to transform a humble dinner of vegetables into a venerable feast. Rice is easy to find, inexpensive, and the perfect blank slate for the base of many classic dishes - stir-fry, butter chicken, and red beans come to mind.

A rice cooker is handy if you cook rice (and other grains) regularly and if you've got the space to store it, but you don't actually need any special equipment or ingredients to cook up a pot of stunningly simple, tender, and fluffy rice.

In fact, all you really need is a cup of rice, a pot, and a stovetop. Here are the three best ways to cook long-grain white rice, brown rice, and aromatic rices - like jasmine and basmati - on the stovetop.

How To Cook Rice on the Stove: Watch the Video

Three Methods for Stovetop Rice

Many rice recipes rely on ratios for rice to water. I can cook pasta blindfolded, make grits with ease, and bake potatoes with the best of them. But cooking a pot of rice on the stovetop remained a mystery until I gave up juggling water-to-rice ratios and tried different techniques instead. A good pot of rice holds a mountain of fluffy, separate grains - no matter the type of rice. And not all rice varieties are the same, so there is no reason to cook them using the same method.

These stovetop methods use different pot sizes and water boiling methods (make sure you have a nice, tight-fitting lid for each). Try not to peek while the rice cooks - that will change the cook time and water absorption rate.

First, Rinse the Rice

Rice, like dried beans, is an agriculture product, meaning it comes from the field and processor with some dirt, debris, and, in rice's case, starch in the bag or box. Rinsing the rice is the first line of defense against gummy grains, as it washes away loose, powdery starch that can stick to the grains upon cooking. Always use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse your rice under cool running water - no matter the cooking method.

Stovetop Methods for White, Brown, and Basmati Rice

For long-grain white rice: Standard long-grain white rice is best suited for the simmer-and-steam method. Here the rice simmers in water until completely absorbed. Slide the pot off the heat to steam, and with a quick fluff of your fork the rice is ready.

For brown rice: Brown rice has a nutty flavor and delightful chew. It also has a tough reputation, often cooking up gummy or underdone. A fool-proof method is what this rice needs, and cooking brown rice like pasta fits the bill. Bring a big pot of water to a boil and stir in the rice. Fish out a grain or two every so often and take a taste. Once the rice is tender and chewy, drain, return the rice to the pot, and steam.

For basmati or jasmine rice: When aromatic rice like basmati or jasmine are on the menu, use the pilaf method. Toast the rice in butter and then pour in boiling water. Cook until the water is gone, then steam off the heat for distinct grains of rice that perfume the kitchen and are full of toasty flavor.

How To Cook Rice on the Stovetop, 3 Ways

Makes Makes 3 cups cooked rice

What You Need

Ingredients

Instructions

Method 1: Simmer and steam long-grain white rice.

Method 2: Cook long-grain brown rice like pasta.

Method 3: Use pilaf technique for aromatic rice, such as basmati or jasmine.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Three Methods for Perfect Rice on the Stove

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A very good pot of rice has the ability to transform a humble dinner of vegetables into a venerable feast. Rice is easy to find, inexpensive, and the perfect blank slate for the base of many classic dishes - stir-fry, butter chicken, and red beans come to mind.