Cranberry Rice

Impress Your Guests with a Festive Cranberry Rice Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cranberry Rice is a delicious and unique dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the savory flavors of cinnamon and margarine. This recipe is perfect for the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

Cranberry Rice is a modern twist on traditional rice dishes that incorporates the popular fall fruit, cranberries. The combination of cranberries, apples, and cinnamon creates a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
1 cup of cranberry sauce
1 apple, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp of margarine
0.5 tsp of salt
a dash of ground cinnamon
1.5 cups of instant rice

How to prepare

Combine water, cranberry sauce, apple, margarine, salt, and cinnamon.
Bring the mixture to a full boil.
Stir in the rice.
Cover the pot and remove it from heat.
Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Add in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Substitute the apple with pear for a different flavor profile.
Use brown rice instead of instant rice for a heartier dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use instant rice for this recipe to ensure that the rice cooks quickly and evenly.

- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add in other fruits or nuts to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Rice can be served as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or turkey, or enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Cranberry Rice is to let the mixture stand for 5 minutes after adding the rice to allow it to absorb the flavors of the cranberries and apples.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cranberry sauce on hand, you can substitute it with cranberry juice or fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cranberry Rice with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Rice pairs well with roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or pork, as well as green vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cranberry Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Rice contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Rice contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Rice contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to check the ingredients for any allergens before preparing the dish.

Summary

Cranberry Rice is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a tasty side dish.

Summary

Cranberry Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. With its unique combination of flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Cranberry Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always creating delicious meals from scratch with love and care.

One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that it was a recipe for Cranberry Rice that had been passed down through generations in our family. She told me that it was a special dish that she had learned to make from her own mother, my great-grandmother.

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I could see the passion and pride in her eyes. She told me stories of how she used to help her mother make this dish for special occasions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet raisins, and savory spices made it a unique and delicious side dish that was always a hit with our family.

I watched intently as my grandmother measured out the rice, rinsed it in a colander, and then added it to a pot with water to cook. She added the cranberries, raisins, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar to the pot, stirring everything together gently. The aroma that filled the kitchen was warm and inviting, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the rice simmered on the stove, my grandmother shared more stories with me about her childhood and the family gatherings where Cranberry Rice was always a staple on the table. She told me about how her mother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had brought it over from their homeland in Europe many years ago.

I could see the nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I knew that this recipe held a special place in her heart. It was more than just a dish to her - it was a connection to her past, to her family, and to the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

Finally, after the rice had cooked and the cranberries had softened, my grandmother spooned the Cranberry Rice into a serving dish and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, with the deep red cranberries standing out against the fluffy white rice.

As we sat down at the table to eat, I took my first bite of the Cranberry Rice and was instantly transported back in time. The flavors were familiar and comforting, a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, reminding me of the love and care that went into every meal my grandmother cooked.

From that day on, Cranberry Rice became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for holidays, for family gatherings, and for quiet nights at home when I wanted to feel connected to my roots. I shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me from my grandmother.

Now, as I look back on that day in the kitchen with my grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for the memories we shared and the lessons she taught me. Cooking is more than just following a recipe - it is a way to connect with our past, to honor our heritage, and to create new memories with those we love.

And so, every time I make Cranberry Rice, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love she poured into every dish she made. I am grateful for the traditions she passed down to me, and I take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in every bite of this delicious and timeless recipe.