Recipe for Inaccessible Rice

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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.