Wild Rice With Cherries And Pecans Do Ahead Recipes

WILD RICE WITH CHERRIES

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, add the stock, wild rice and salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and is beginning to split, about 30 to 40 minutes. Drain of any excess liquid and fold in the cherries, nuts and parsley. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and serve.

WILD RICE WITH PECANS, RAISINS, AND ORANGE ESSENCE

Steps:

• In a medium pot over high heat, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice grains are tender, about 1 hour. Drain the cooked rice and transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Meanwhile, in a second medium pot over high heat, bring remaining 1 cup of water and the white rice to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest in the pot for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Combine the wild and white rice, then add the pecans, raisins, onions, and mint and toss to combine.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, orange zest, and juice, then pour it over the rice salad and toss to coat. Cover the salad and let it sit at room temperate for 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature.
• DO AHEAD
• The RICE SALAD can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, covered, overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

WILD RICE STUFFING WITH PEARL ONIONS, DRIED CHERRIES AND APRICOTS

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until brown, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
• Bring 4 1/2 cups broth and 1 tablespoon thyme to boil in large saucepan. Add wild rice; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add white rice; cover and simmer until all rice is tender and liquid is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes longer.
• Stir dried apricots, dried cherries, raisins and 2 tablespoons thyme into rice mixture; cover and simmer 3 minutes. Stir pearl onions and remaining 4 tablespoons butter into rice. Mix in pecans. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• To bake stuffing in turkey:
• Loosely fill main cavity with cool stuffing. Butter glass baking dish. Spoon remaining stuffing into prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil, buttered side down. Bake stuffing in dish alongside turkey until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• To bake all of stuffing in baking dish:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil, buttered side down, and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.

WILD RICE WITH CHERRIES AND PECANS - DO AHEAD

Steps:

• Rinse rice in strainer under cold water. Place rice in medium, heavy saucepan. Add broth, heat to boiling. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered until rice is tender, 45 minutes to an hour. Drain and place in mixing bowl. Add onion, cherries, pecans, oj, olive oil, orange zest, salt and pepper. Toss gently and let stand at least 2 hours for the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature or heat before serving. Makes 8 servings. I substitute dried cranberries for cherries. Or can use craisins.