This sweet and creamy apple and raisin risotto perfectly compliments baked ham, roasted chicken or turkey.

Apple Raisin Risotto

2 tablespoons firmly-packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 medium unpeeled apple, cored and diced
1/4 cup seedless raisins
1 cup uncooked U.S. arborio or medium grain rice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup Marsala or other dessert wine
1 cup apple juice
4 cups water

1. Heat sugar and 1 tablespoon butter in large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add apple and raisins; saute quickly.
3. Add rice, salt and cinnamon; stir 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add wine; stir until absorbed. Increase heat to medium high; stir in apple juice. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until juice is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding water, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding another, until rice is tender and mixture has a creamy consistency. It will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of USA Rice Federation.