favourite sausage and wild rice pilaf

this is for Karrie20X!

I've lost my copy of original recipe, but have been making this for over 20 years for xmas dinner.

Sausage and Wild Rice Pilaf:

One pound of frozen bulk pork sausage, thawed
2 boxes of Uncle Ben's 'Classic' Long Grain and Wild rice (the ones with the seasoning packets)

Preheat oven to 350F

In a fry pan or saute pan, scramble fry the sausage, breaking it up in small chunks, until it's no longer pink. (optional, drain off most of the fat)

add the uncooked rice to the pan, stir and saute over med heat for a few minutes. (this will toast the rice slightly)

Transfer the sausage/rice to an oven proof casserole dish with lid. Add the contents of the seasoning packets Add the amount of water indicated on/for each of the rice packages.

Cover with lid, and bake for an hour, or until rice is tender.

Give it all a stir (the chunks of herbs will rise to the top as the rice cooks) Serves 8 - 10

Really good warmed up the next day.

This recipe is easy to divide or multiply....

Just for fun, here's my favourite xmas salad:

Orange Almond Salad

1 med head romaine lettuce
2 green onions (green part only, chopped)
one 7oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 c toasted almonds (slivers or slices)

wash lettuce, break into bite sized pieces. Place lettuce onion, and oranges in salad bowl.

Dressing:
2 tablespoons sugar,
half teaspoon salt
one quarter teaspoon dry tarragon
1/8 tsp pepper
dash tabasco
one third cup tarragon vinegar
1 egg yolk
three quarters of a cup of vegetable oil

Place sugar, salt, tarragon, pepper and tabasco in blender. Slowly add vinegar. blend well.
Add egg yolk, and with blender running, slowly pour in oil. Blend until desired consistency.

Add desired amount of dressing to salad and toss. Sprinkle almonds on top, serve 6.

Enjoy!