Black And Brown Rice Dressing With Walnuts And Pears Recipes

SIMPLE SWEET AND SAVORY SPICED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Have ready a silpat on a sheet pan or a parchment lined pan on a surface which can withstand heat.
• Mash the garlic with the brown sugar and spices to form a paste.
• Melt the butter in a non stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sugar/spice paste to the skillet and, using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir to combine the butter and paste (about a minute or two).
• Once it is roughly combined, add the walnuts and stir to coat; this will take no more than a minute or two.
• When the walnuts are coated, transfer them to the silpat or parchment.
• Spread them out with your wooden spatula and allow to cool.
• Store the cooled nuts in a tin or jar.
• Use in salads (butter lettuce, beets, blue cheese and these nuts--super!), or as a nibble with cocktails/apertifs.

WILD AND BROWN RICE DRESSING WITH APPLES, PECANS AND CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, simmer the wild rice in 4 1/2 cups broth, salt to taste, until the grains start to break open; drain off any liquid, return to the pot and stretch a clean kitchen towel beneath the lid and let sit 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a smaller saucepan, simmer the brown rice, with 1 1/2 cups broth, salt, until tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, 35 to 40 minutes; turn off heat and stretch a clean kitchen towel under the lid and let sit 10 to 15 minutes.
• In a large skillet, heat oil, over medium heat, and cook the onion, stirring often, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
• Add celery and a generous pinch of salt, and continue cooking another 3 or 4 minutes; stir in garlic, if using, and cook 30 seconds.
• Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl; add rices and toss well.
• Increase the heat in the skillet to medium high and add the butter; when the foaming subsides, add apple, stirring until they begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add to the rice mixture; add remaining ingredients, toss and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F; grease a large baking dish with butter or oil.
• Transfer rice mixture to baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and warm in oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
• NOTE: The rices can be cooked up to 3 days in advance. The entire dish is better the second day, so you can make it a day ahead and heat the day you are serving it.

BROWN RICE DRESSING

Steps:

• In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic and zucchini.
• Cook until onion just starts to brown.
• Add brown rice and cook stirring often for about 1 or 2 minutes.
• Add all other ingredients, heat to boiling, stir, cover and reduce heat to low.
• Allow to simmer for 45-50 minutes; NO PEEKING OR STIRRING!
• Remove from heat and allow to stand for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
• Fluff with a fork and serve with chicken, turkey or whatever you prefer.

QUINOA STUFFING WITH LEEKS, WALNUTS AND CHERRIES

Steps:

• Prepare quinoa according to package directions, using broth instead of water. When it is done cooking and all broth has been absorbed, fluff with fork.
• Meanwhile, spray a skillet with cooking spray and then add the butter.
• Melt butter over medium high heat. Once melted, add leeks, celery, pepper, and sage.
• Saute until leeks and celery are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Combine veggie mixture and quinoa. Stir in cherries and walnuts.
• Heat through just before serving.

BLACK AND BROWN RICE STUFFING WITH WALNUTS AND PEARS

Steps:

• Cook the black and brown rices separately in 2 parts water or stock with salt to taste, following the directions on the package for timing (brown rice should take 35 to 40 minutes). When the rice is tender, turn off the heat, place clean kitchen towels between the saucepans and their lids, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
• While the rice is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the celery and a generous pinch of salt, and continue to cook until the onion is completely tender, another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from the heat and add to the bowl with the rice.
• Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the butter. When the foam subsides, add the pears and cook, tossing in the pan or stirring, until lightly seared and translucent, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add to the rice. Add the remaining ingredients, including the soaked red lentils or dried cranberries if desired, and gently toss together. Taste and adjust seasonings. Transfer to a lightly oiled or buttered baking dish and cover with foil.
• Warm the stuffing in a 325-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.