Al Koozy

Description
Festive spiced rice

Ingredients

 * 1 recipe plain white rice
 * 2 tbsp blanched almonds, halved or slivered
 * 2 tbsp olive oil
 * 2 tbsp pine nuts
 * ½ pound ground beef
 * salt
 * black pepper
 * 1 tsp allspice (divided use)
 * ¼ cup butter or olive oil
 * ½ tsp cinnamon
 * ¼ tsp nutmeg

Directions

 * 1) Prepare the plain white rice in advance.
 * 2) Fluff the cooked grains and let cool to room temperature.
 * 3) Slowly saute the almonds in the olive oil, stirring frequently.
 * 4) When the almonds are beginning to brown, stir in the pine nuts and continue to cook until all the nuts are golden.
 * 5) Remove with a slotted spoon.
 * 6) Brown the ground beef in the same oil, sprinkling with the salt, pepper, and half the allspice.
 * 7) Remove from the pan and drain in a sieve.
 * 8) In a large nonstick pan, heat the ¼ cup butter or olive oil.
 * 9) Stir in the rice and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining allspice.
 * 10) As the rice heats, continue to toss until it is hot and coated with spices.
 * 11) Taste and adjust seasoning.