CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Harvest Fruit Brown Rice

This quick side dish goes great with chicken.

Harvest Fruit Brown Rice

1 cup uncooked brown rice

2 cup peeled and chopped apple

¼ cup chopped onion

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon margarine

½ cup slivered onions

½ cup dried apricots, chopped

2 tablespoons honey

Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

In large saucepan, bring 2 2/3 cups water to boil. Stir in rice, apple, onion and salt. Return to boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer 50 minutes. In small skillet, melt margarine over medium heat and lightly brown almonds. Stir them into rice along with the apricots and honey. Garnish with fresh mint.

Yield: Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 218 calories, 12 percent of calories from fat, 2.9 grams fat (0.5 grams saturated), no cholesterol, 3.2 grams protein, 46.7 grams carbohydrates, 3.7 grams fiber, 221 milligrams sodium.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.