Ingredients

One 4 oz. package Farmhouse Herb & Butter Flavor Long Grain & Wild Rice
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons dry basil
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1-1/3 cups water
One 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
One 3 to 3-1/2 lb. whole chicken, cleaned

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. In medium saucepan, sauté onion, garlic and basil in butter or margarine 5-7 minutes. Add water; bring to boil. Add rice and contents of seasoning packet.
2. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Cool slightly.
3. Combine rice mixture with spinach, ricotta or cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, red bell pepper, parsley, salt and pepper.
4. Place stuffing into cleaned chicken. Secure ends with toothpicks or skewers. Place on rack in preheated oven. Roast for 1-1/2 hours or until juice runs clear when chicken is pricked with a fork.

*Double recipe to stuff a 12 lb. turkey. (See turkey package directions for temperature and roasting times.)