This morning it was cold in Charlotte; in fact, cold is an understatement, it was nineteen degrees.  Other than holing up inside to hibernate, until this frigid season passes, I have decided to put my time indoors to good use by creating simple and hearty recipes to keep you warm throughout the winter.  The first on the list, Cranberry Rice Pilaf.

Recipe:

1 cup wild rice

1/3 cup dried cranberries

4 oz. goat cheese

1 bag of baby kale

5 chicken drumsticks

1 package of sage sausage

1/4 cup of honey roasted almonds

Execution:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and place chicken drumsticks in a baking dish.  Allow to cook for 20 minutes. Boil water and cook the wild rice to desired consistency.  Now that your base ingredients are prepared the rest of this meal will take no time.  In a larger baking pan mix de-boned chicken,  rice, and sausage.  Place this dish back in the oven for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow time to cool before gently mixing in cranberries, kale, almonds, and lastly sprinkle goat cheese on top.

This dish is perfect for cold winter days, and not to mention, it is cheap and easy to make.  Stay tuned this winter for more recipes to keep your belly full and the chill away.  At the end of each season we will be hosting a Swell Recipe challenge, where I will cook dishes submitted and decide on a favorite.  The winner will receive endless thanks for the introduction to new food, and some sweet Swell swag.  For consideration please send your best recipes to laura.e.saum@gmail.com.