| Tired of making the same holiday dishes every | | | | 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| year? Looking for a way to spice up the | | | | 1 large green apple, Golden Delicious or Granny |
| traditional meal? Culinary expert Rita Held | | | | Smith |
| recommends using premium wine vinegars; a | | | | 1/2 cup dried cranberries |
| simple way to add a personal touch to almost any | | | | 1/4 cup finely diced red onion |
| dish. | | | | 2 ounces firm full-flavored cheese, cut into small |
| Wine vinegars can be paired with or added to | | | | cubes (Asiago, Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano) |
| almost any food and they consistently offer a | | | | 1/3 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts or sliced |
| distinct, perfectly-balanced flavor and aroma. | | | | almonds |
| Premium vinegars, such as Holland House, use | | | | Rinse rice and drain. Bring water to a boil in a |
| premium wines and offer a wide variety of | | | | 3-quart saucepan. Stir in rice and salt; bring back |
| flavors including red wine, garlic- flavor red wine, | | | | to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 50 |
| white wine, malt vinegar and balsamic vinegar. | | | | minutes. When done, drain water, if any. Cool |
| Held provides the following recipe to add a splash | | | | completely with lid off. (Rice can be made several |
| of flavor and color to the holiday meal: | | | | days in advance. Store in refrigerator, covered.) |
| Wild Rice Cranberry-Nut Salad | | | | In a large bowl, combine white wine vinegar, oil, |
| 1 cup (6 oz) wild rice | | | | sugar, mustard and salt (to make dressing); stir |
| 2 cups water | | | | well. Cut apples into bite-size slices and toss with |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | | | | dressing. Add rice, cranberries, onion and cheese |
| 1/4 cup Holland House White Wine Vinegar | | | | to bowl; stir. Stir in toasted nuts just before |
| 1/4 cup safflower or canola oil | | | | serving. Serve on lettuce leaves, if desired. Makes |
| 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar | | | | 4 to 6 servings. |
| 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard | | | | |