Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.

This hearty solution is inspired by harvest season, offering a comforting taste and mouthwatering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. There’s nothing wrong with the classics – mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and the like – but this recipe from “Cookin’ Savvy” can give your gathering a special seasonal spin.

Discover more holiday recipes by visiting Culinary.net.

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Herbed Wild Rice and Apples

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Servings: 6-8

• 4          tablespoons butter
• 1          tablespoon minced onion
• 1          apple, chopped
• 2          packages (8 ounces each) long-grain wild rice
• 2/3       cup apple juice
• 1          package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
• 1          tablespoon rosemary
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2/3       cup pecans
• 2/3       cup cranberries
• garlic and herb cheese spread, for garnish (optional)

In skillet over medium heat, saute butter, onion and apple pieces. When apples soften, add rice, apple juice, bacon pieces and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook about 10 minutes.

In large bowl, mix pecans, cranberries and rice mixture. Place in serving dish and crumble herbed cheese on top, if desired.

Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.