Re: Vegetable Steamer/Rice Cooker

Congratulations on your great purchase, Pat!  Sounds like quite a good
deal, compared to the online prices you mentioned.  I've never had or
used a rice steamer, but sometimes I'm tempted when so many people here
sing their praises. 

Speaking of rice, when DH's sister moved a little while ago, she gave us
some food from her pantry, including some rice.  It's just plain white
rice, but I've noticed that it's still fairly crunchy inside after
cooking (stovetop) for the usual 20 minutes, and I have to start with
more water and give it several extra minutes to make it tender.  What
could be the problem?  Maybe one of you long-term food store-ers knows,
does rice start taking longer to cook after it's been stored for a
certain length of time?  The rice tastes fine, it just takes longer to
cook.

Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks!

Diva