Coconut Rice
a la Irene Monson

2 c Basmati rice
3 1/2 c water
1 c sugar
1/2 t finely ground cardamon
2 1/4 c grated coconut, slightly toasted
1/3 c pistachios or cashews
1/3 c raisin, soaked to soften
1 T butter

Soak rice for 1 hour and drain. In medium saucepan, bring water, sugar and cardamon to a boil. Add rice and return to boil. Cover tightly and cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook an additional 10 minutes, covered. Remove cover and let cook on low for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to dry it up a little bit. Mix and serve.