Recipe for Inaccessible Rice

Recently I made this complicated wild rice dish I learned from my mother for a couple of HTP functions, because the lovely polaris_xx enjoyed it so much. I was just typing up the recipe to give to her, and I thought why not post it here as well? I call it by the rather odd name of Inaccessible Rice, which certain parties will remember came from the first time I ever made it for a dinner party. It is a somewhat strange combination of flavors, so I commented to I believe Bernie and Kindness, who were with me at the time, that I was worried it might be "inaccessible" to some of my diners who I knew to be slightly picky eaters. They never let me forget that-- it was kind of pretentious of me to use that word --and to this day we refer to this dish as Inaccessible Rice. I think it's delicious, and kind of sophisticated too, with a lovely mix of color when you bring it to the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup mixed wild rice
• 1 ½ c water
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup pecans, crushed
• 4 scallions, chopped
• ½ c orange juice, fresh squeezed
• 2 tsp orange zest, grated
• 8 mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 c olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the rice according to your preferred method. I use the one on the rice package I buy, combining it with the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and then stir once. (ONCE!) Allow to cook for fifteen minutes, or until all the water is gone. Then stir it thoroughly and allow to cool, at least a little. Then mix with all the other ingredients. It is intended to be served cold, but it’s just as good hot if you prefer that. I like to serve it with chicken, but it is good with pretty much anything.

Biweekly Theater Writing Challenge #11.3 - a letter from Rowan Loring, in The Tailor of Riddling Way

ROWAN: To my dear sister Emma. In this, the last letter I may write before I ship out to meet my fortune in the war, a brother ought to send a fond and affectionate farewell to his closest and most stalwart sister. But I fear I must instead speak to you of more dire matters that somehow must be dealt with. It concerns, as so many things do now, our father’s current course, but just when I believed I had the depths of it, I discovered something darker still. His work is catching up with him, but rather than learn the error of his ways he seeks only to escape. I told him he would have to pay the piper he’s been dancing to, but even I didn’t dream it would happen like this. He meant to keep it secret until the deed was done, but I trust him with nothing anymore, so with some careful digging I have unearthed it. The payment he offers is Bethany, to sell her to that wretched partner of his like a cow at market. He intends to marry her off and see her shipped halfway across the world whether she will or no to protect his vile scheme. His own daughter, and a child at that. Emma, we cannot let him see this through. Something must be done, but I shall too soon depart for the front to handle this alone... which is why I must write to you, dear sister. It tears me that I can do nothing for Bethany myself, but I discovered this too late; I am due at my assignment within the week, and I must be there to meet the ship. Therefore it is you that must act where I cannot. Poor Constance is too starved for Father’s approval to defy him in anything, and dear Bethany is bright and brave but still too much a child to escape this on her own. There is no one else, Emma. You must get her away somehow, out of Father’s grasp, and safe from the man he wants to sell her to. I wish to God I had time to make some arrangement or plan, but I fear all I have to give is this warning. Forgive me, dear Emma, that I lay this burden on you and can be of no more help to you than that. Forewarned is forearmed, they say, so I hope I’ve given you that small advantage at least. But please, for our sweet little sister’s sake, do what you can to spare her being spent like coin to pay our father’s debt. I know I can trust you with this above any other, as I would trust you with my own child that is about to be born. Farewell, and Godspeed to you both. Signed, your loving brother, Rowan.