Red Rice With Spinach And Dried Cherries Food

RUSTIC APPLE PIE WITH DRIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• To prepare the crust, put the whole-wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse 3 times to combine. Add the butter and pulse about 12 times, until you get a pebbly course texture. In a small bowl combine the buttermilk and ice water. Add the buttermilk-water mixture and pulse 3 to 5 times more to combine. Pat the dough into a 4-inch round and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, or make ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• In the meantime, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, and prepare the filling. Core the apples and cut them into 1/4-inch slices. In a large bowl toss the apple slices with the lemon juice. Add the dried cherries then sprinkle in the cornstarch, brown sugar and cinnamon and toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large circle about 9 inches in diameter. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and draping the dough over the rolling pin, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. If the dough breaks, patch it up with your fingers.
• Arrange the apple mixture in a mound in the center on the dough, leaving a 1 to 2-inch border. Fold the border over the filling. It will only cover the filling partially and does not need to be even.
• Bake the pie at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, keeping the pie in the oven all the while, and bake for another 40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
• In a small bowl stir together the honey and boiling water to make a glaze. When the pie is done remove it from the oven and brush the honey glaze all over the top of the fruit and crust. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. Cut into 6 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

CARAMEL CORN WITH PEANUTS AND DRIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pour the sugar into the center of a deep saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Carefully pour the water around the walls of the pan, trying not to splash any sugar onto the walls. Do not stir; gently draw your finger twice through the center of the sugar, making a cross, to moisten it.
• Over high heat, bring to a full boil and cook without stirring until golden caramel, about 10 to 15 minutes and the temperature reaches 320 to 330 degrees F. Swirl the mixture occasionally to even out the color. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter then the popcorn, peanuts, and cherries.
• Pour onto a silpat or buttered sheet pan and let cool a few minutes then start breaking it up into clusters, working quickly, so it doesn't harden and you don't burn yourself. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Notes: I use Black Diamond Popcorn with its petit size "hulless" kernel. To pop corn properly, place the kernels in a heavy-bottomed large pot and cover them with oil. Put the lid on and cook on high until you hear the first pop. Immediately take it off the heat and let it sit 1 minute. Then return it to the heat and finish popping, shaking the pan the whole time. I don't know why this is better, but this is what my dad does, and his popcorn was always the best.

ORZO SALAD WITH MUSTARD GREENS AND DRIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Combine the chicken broth and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat; hold at a gentle simmer.
• Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme, cumin and orzo, and toast the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully pour in the simmering broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• Fold in the cherries, pistachios, lemon zest, olive oil and mustard greens. Top with parsley to serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH CHERRIES

Steps:

• Saute 1 chopped red onion in olive oil until softened. Add 1 cup Israeli couscous; cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat, 8 minutes. Toss with 8 ounces halved pitted cherries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup each chopped parsley and scallions and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

SPINACH SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 deg. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer in a pie plate. Bake until puffed and brown, approximately 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard and oil until combined and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange spinach on a plate, sprinkle with onions, pumpkin seeds and cherries. Drizzle with dressing, allow each person to "toss" their own salad.