Wild Rice

1/4 cup butter

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon red bell pepper, seeded and minced

1 teaspoon jalapeño chile, seeded and minced

1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 teaspoon salt

fresh ground black pepper

3 cups chicken broth

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).

2. In a large skillet, heat butter. Add mushrooms, garlic, bell pepper,

jalapeño pepper, wild rice, almonds, salt and pepper. Stir-fry 2 minutes.

3. Add broth, stir until mixed. Spoon into a large shallow baking dish.

Cover tightly. Bake about 1 hour or until rice is tender and liquid is

absorbed.

Makes 6 servings.

Wild rice is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Not really rice

but the seed of a marsh grass native to the northern Great Lakes area, it

has been harvested by Indians in Canada and the U.S. for centuries. It is

important to clean wild rice carefully before using. Although it takes an

hour to cook, be careful not to overcook it, as it will become starchy. Wild

rice is especially nice as a side dish for all wild game.

Rum Apple Crisp

Rum and lemon combined with apple create a new flavor sensation.

Topping:

1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Filling:

2 pounds cooking apples

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup rum

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

ice cream, whipped cream or sour cream as accompaniment

1. In a food processor or blender, combine nuts and sugar and process

well. Add flour and butter; process until well mixed. Stir in coconut and

set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Grease 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.

3. Peel, core and thinly slice apples. In a bowl, toss apples with

remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover with

crisp topping.

3. Bake 35 to 45 minutes until topping is well browned and bubbling.

Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream or sour cream.

Makes 8 servings.