Jaíne Mackievicz's Pilaf Recipe with Dried Fruit and Nuts

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (preferably jasmine)
• 1 ¼ cup mixed California Jumbo Raisins
• 1/2 cup whole almonds (skin removed)
• 1 finely diced medium yellow onion (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 medium cloves of garlic (grated)
• 2 TBSP unsalted butter + ½ TBSP to brush on the parchment lid
• 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups brut sparkling wine
• 2 TBSP toasted sliced almonds (optional)
• 2 TBSP finely chopped parsley (optional)