Apricot Wild Rice

Another delicious recipe passed down to me by my Aunt Bea, after one of her always enjoyable dinner parties back in the early 2000s.

½ c. uncooked wild rice

2  tbsp. butter

2/3  c. chopped dried apricots

1  celery stalk, sliced

2  green onions, chopped

1½ tsp. dried thyme

2 c. chicken broth or beef broth

1 c. uncooked white rice

1  tbsp. grated orange zest

¼ c. slivered almonds toasted

Prepare wild rice according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a medium size pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add apricots, celery, green onion, and thyme. Cook about three minutes or until just softened.  Add broth.  Increase heat to high.  Bring to a boil.  Add white rice, cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer til liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about twenty minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cooked wild rice and orange zest. Cover, let stand five minutes.  Fluff with fork and sprinkle with slivered almonds just before serving.  Serves 4.