This special side dish of spiced brown rice, with sauteed carrots and onions, raisins, pine nuts and fresh thyme, makes a wonderful accompaniment with roasted meats.

Holiday-Thyme Rice

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or nutmeg
3 cups cooked brown rice
2 medium-sized apples, cored, peeled and shredded
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add carrots and onions and cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
2. Add raisins, juices, sugar and seasonings; mix well. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked brown rice and apples; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in pine nuts. Serve.

Makes 6 servings.