Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf

Contributed by Old Orchard Staff

This easy side dish is a great alternative to plain rice for a weekday meal. Add slivered almonds and dried cranberries to elevate the plated presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1/4 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot 
• 1/2 tsp of salt and dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp of pepper and dried oregano
• 2 cups Old Orchard Healthy Balance Apple Juice Cocktail 
• 2 cups long-grain instant wild rice 
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds 
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté apples and shredded carrot until tender. 
2. Add in salt, pepper, parsley and oregano 
3. Add the apple juice cocktail and bring the mixture to a boil. 
4. Stir in the instant rice and cover. 
5. Turn off heat and let the rice stand for 5 minutes. 
6. Remove cover and stir in almonds and dried cranberries.