Extraordinary Rice Salad

by Hilary Gauntt on May 15, 2012

There is a wonderful restaurant in San Diego called Extraordinary Desserts that lives up to its name, serving  truly scrumptious pastries.  This much requested recipe is for the rice salad they serve with their sandwiches, and owner Karen Kranse said she would be honored to share it with Heron Earth.

2 cups brown rice

1/2 pecans, coarsely chopped ( I toast them )

1 cup flat leaf Italian parsley, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 cups hearts of palm, cut into 1/8 inch slices

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

1 Tb. grated lemon zest

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

In a medium pot, combine brown rice with 4 cups cold water.  Bring to a boil and then cover.  Reduce heat and let rice simmer 25 minutes.  Remove rice from heat and let stand 10 minutes.  Transfer rice to a large bowl to cool.

Once cooled, combine rice with remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly mixed.

Note: One  package of frozen brown rice from Trader Joe’s cooks in 3 minutes in the microwave and provides the 2 cups perfect for the recipe. I prefer to use only a cup of cranberries and a bit less lemon juice, and  serve this with grilled steak in the summer. Great dish to share, as it travels easily.

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Wild Rice Soup

by Brittany Kirby on May 6, 2012

My dear friend, Kristin Fracassi, sent me this rich and satisfying soup recipe. She included this message: “Here’s my mom’s wild rice soup recipe. It’s heart warming and delicious. And good for an occasion that you just need your food to comfort you or when you need to feel like you’re at home.” Enjoy!

Ingredients

6 T butter

1 T minced onion

1/2 c flour

3 c chicken broth

2 c cooked wild rice

1/2 c grated carrots

2 c cooked chicken breasts (diced or cubed)

3 T chopped almonds

1/2 t salt

1 c half and half

2 T dry sherry

fresh parsley or chives for garnish

In a large saucepan, melt butter and saute onions over medium heat. Blend in flour and gradually add in chicken broth – stir constantly until it reaches a boil. Stir for one more minute. Add cooked rice, carrots, cooked chicken, almonds, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Blend in half n half and sherry. Heat to serving temperature. Serve and garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes – I didn’t use all the half and half that was called for and it was still delicious.

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Laurie Colwin’s Special Spice Cake

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April Inspiration

April 8, 2012
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Spring has arrived in all it’s glory, but I find myself lacking the euphoria that  should come with this time of year. Here are some words of wisdom that helped me get things in better perspective.  Please send us any quotes that have helped you put one foot in front of the other, and we will gratefully share them. Wishing you [...]

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Pan Relleno

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Grilled Asparagus with Asian Vinaigrette

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Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter

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Cheesy Vegetable Gratin

March 3, 2012
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The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie – Really!

February 22, 2012
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When wonderful Yvonne Deggelman told me she had the definitive chocolate chip cookie recipe, I begged her to write our first guest post!  I was a bit embarrassed (but charmed) by what she contributed. Here it is…. “As many of you know, cooking for Hilary is a pleasure.  Have you ever known anyone who approaches food with [...]

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