Winter Roots Pilaf in Parchment with Basmati Rice, Pine Nuts and Dried Cranberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a half size sheet pan with parchment paper. Place vegetables in a medium sized mixing bowl with shallots, rosemary and 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil. Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper. Place vegetables on the half sheet pan in an even layer and roast in the oven. Cook for about 45 - 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until lightly browned but still a little crunchy. Allow vegetables to cool to room temperature.

Vegetables can be prepared a day ahead to this point.

To prepare pilaf, mix together vegetables, cooked rice or grain, dried cranberries, pine nuts and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Toss together with a spoon. Add chicken or vegetable stock. Taste for seasoning. Cut 4 or 6 parchment sheets into 12” x 18” rectangles. Working on a cutting board, fold each sheet in half to form 12” x 9” packet. Place 1 ½ to 2 cups pilaf in the crease at the middle. Drizzle two teaspoons of olive oil over the pilaf. Begin folding from one end, creating pleats until reaching the end. Transfer carefully to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining mix. For additional packets, use second baking sheet to allow for the packets to bake properly. Place packets in a 400 degree oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until puffy and light to medium brown.

Serve bag immediately on warm plates and let each person tear open the package.