Baked rice pilaf studded with raisins and topped with sautéed mushrooms, carrots, green bell pepper, onion and a coarsely chopped raw tart red apple.

Crazy Quilt Rice

1 cup uncooked rice
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter or margarine - divided use
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tart red apple, cored and chopped

1. Combine rice, thyme, black pepper, raisins, broth, and 1 tablespoon butter in shallow 2-quart casserole. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) 25 to 30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, cook mushrooms, carrots, green pepper, onion and salt in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until tender crisp.
3. Remove rice from oven; add vegetables and apple. Cover and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of USA Rice Federation.