Title: Rice pilaf with apricots~ raisins & pine nu
 Categories: Rice, Vegetarian
      Yield: 6 Servings
 
    1/4 c  Olive oil
  1 1/2 c  Rice, brown;long grain
      1 pn Saffron strands; opt
    1/2 c  Apricots, dried;snipped into
           -slivers
    1/2 ea Cinnamon stick
      8 ea Cloves
      4 ea Cardamom pods; lightly
           -crushed
           -Salt & pepper
      3 c  -Water
      2 ea Onions; peeled & sliced
    1/3 c  Raisins
    1/2 c  Pine nuts;or slivered
           -almonds

MMMMM-------------------------TO GARNISH------------------------------
           Mint sprig
 
  Heat half the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the rice and
  saute for 5 minutes, stirring gently. Add the saffron, if using, the
  apricots, spices, 1 teaspoon salt and the water. Bring to a boil,
  then cover tightly and leave to cook over very gentle heat for 45
  minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave covered. Saute the onion in
  the remaining oil for 10 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
  Add to the rice, together with the raisins and nuts. Check the
  seasonings and stir lightly with a fork. Garnish with a mint sprig to
  serve.