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Wild Rice With Apricots

Time1 hour 15 minutes
YieldsServes 4
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Just because fall is coming doesn’t mean the grill goes in the garage. Slightly cooler weather can make for better grilling (who wants to sweat over a hot fire?). And grilled food enlivens a fall menu.

For a change of pace, try Cornish hens. Their taste is mild and delicate enough to handle robust marinades. And their petite size lends them to more festive presentations.

Here, the hens are cloaked in an orange marinade and finished on the grill at the end of their cooking with an orange marmalade glaze. The glaze goes on at the last minute so it doesn’t burn. The warm spinach salad is a perfect accompaniment to the hens, a fresh and vibrant mix. It’s an easy way to get spinach on the table.

Cooler weather also offers a chance to serve heartier, seasonal side dishes, such as this wild rice with dried apricots, which can be made ahead. The tricky aspect is cooking the wild rice. Check the rice often after 30 minutes and turn off the heat while the rice is still a little chewy. Overcook it, and the grains will split open and turn too mushy for this salad.

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1

Place the broth, onion, celery and 1 cup of water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil.

2

Meanwhile, submerge the rice in water for a few minutes, then drain in a colander. Rinse under running water; drain. Add the rice to the saucepan, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the rice is just tender but still chewy. Do not overcook. Check the texture often after 30 minutes; the rice will take about 45 minutes. Add more water if the mixture is dry. Place the rice in a strainer to drain off any liquid; transfer to a medium bowl.

3

While the rice is still warm, toss with the lemon juice and oil. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Add the cucumber, parsley, mint, poultry seasoning, red pepper flakes and pepper. Use a fork to toss. Taste; adjust seasoning. (This can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated.)

4

To serve, toss in the apricots. Taste; adjust the seasoning. Serve at room temperature.