Just a heads up on a product that is both affordable and good! Rice-A-Roni's 'Nature's Way' Long Grain & Wild Rice is a keeper.
For about $1.20 a box it's in almost anyone's budget but it doesn't taste like it. It's full of flavor and has just right amount of spices.
Prepared as it says on the box, it's a great accompaniment to any fish - especially salmon. It's also great with any chicken dish. I like to serve both the rice side dish and steamed broccoli with lemon butter. They compliment each other and the dish being served.
Another 'cheater' meal I learned when I was about 12 years old is to take a box of long grain and wild rice and mix it with a can of mushroom soup and a can of water (yes, you use the seasoning packet that comes with it too). Place into a greased 13X9 pan and top with 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Bake about 45-60 minutes. So easy and yet so good.