I use a rice maker because I find it easier when I am in a rush. It does not require to be watched for fear of burning.
I tend to use brown rice.

If you have a preference, I am sure that these ideas are applicable to change it up a bit.

Rice can be the side dish. It can also be combined with left overs for a new meal from available food in the fridge.

Basically  rice to water ratio is not even if  brown rice is used. It seems to require a bit more water.

White rice is usually equal proportions. I defer to the instructions on the box or bag of rice that is being used.

Of course there is trusty Minute Rice.

A) Cook the rice with chicken broth instead of water

B) Cook the rice with a chicken, beef or vegetable boullion

C) Left over wine in the house, if it is appropriate to the entree (red wine with beef, white wine, with…etc. Substitute the wine for part of the water.

      Champagne makes delicious rice

D) Fried Rice : It is more of a sauteed rice. Seasoning may be added according to what you are serving with it. Soy sauce, if you are going Asian.

Franks Hot Sauce, or a bit of Tabasco might be some people's choice. Not a lot, just a bit to give it a flavor, not light up your life.

Don't be afraid to be flexible and put some of your favorite ingredients together.

Rice cooks up in one pan. You can add the other ingredients and make a casserole quickly on the stove. Minimizing the clean up, maximizing what you have on hand!

Jazz up your rice:

    Another way to give your rice that something special might be Campbell's tomato soup and leftover beef or chicken

    Cream of Mushroom soup makes an interesting variation of the norm.

Enjoy!