A surprisingly simple twist on embellishing pre-packaged rice accompaniments.  I often use Near East products for my sides.  Their product is quality and easy to prepare.  One of my favorite things to do with the their Wild and Brown Rice product is to prepare it this way:

Ingredients:

1 box of Near East Wild and Brown Rice

2 green onions, sliced

1/3 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup, each, dark and white raisins

1/4 chopped mushrooms

1/4 cup shoestring carrots

1 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp Fab Five seasonings-cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice

Salt & pepper to taste

Make it:

1. In a medium pot, pour in broth, oil, veggies, pecans and seasonings.

2. Bring it all to a boil.

3 Open package of Wild and Brown Rice; discard the seasoning pack that is included.

4. Pour in the rice and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for about twenty minutes.

6. Let stand five minutes.

I like to serve this with a sprinkling of shredded Asiago cheese over the top.  Elegant, healthy and filling.