Chewy Frutti-Fruit Salad with a Twist!

I composed a fruit salad today that had a chewy twist so I called it Chewy Frutti. I wanted to make a fruit salad with a little more texture and flavor....so I added Forbidden rice (or black rice), celery, mint and a raspberry-orange dressing, and it was quite refreshing! If you haven't experienced the pleasure of "Forbidden" rice you have to try it. It's a jet-black short grain rice that's very chewy and aromatic. I like to keep some extra cooked up in my fridge. If I come home very hungry and there's no time to make a meal I poach a couple of eggs and put them over black rice, maybe add some reach veggies on the side, and I'm ready to go. Healthy meal in 5 minutes.

Chewy Frutti

2 cups of black rice

(cook in water with a little salt, add part juice if you have. The measurements for this rice are usually 1 cup rice to 1 3/4 water. Cook and set aside to cool.)

About 1 pound of green grapes (split down the middle)

3 pink lady apples (thin slices)

A cup or two of sliced celery

1 cup toasted cashews (rough chop)

a few sprigs of mint (chopped)

Dressing:

1 cup of light raspberry dressing (we sell one at Organic Harvest)

The juice of two oranges

1 TB lemon extract

Mix all ingredients together and you're ready to go. Taste test first. This is very important! If you don't like it add more dressing or a little cinnamon, and LOT'S OF LOVE!