Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Visit to Havercroft


View slideshow

This is the Black Rice Salad that I took to the Open Garden at Havercroft, home of our friend, Roger. It is the last time this summer I may be able to make this salad as finding black rice is as hard as finding hen's teeth. I suppose I could use wild rice but it just wouldn't be the same. So you want to see Havercroft? I bloomin' betcha you do! Take a click on the slideshow button for a tour.



As requested, here's the recipe:
Chinese Black Rice, Orange and Avocado Salad


2 Cups cooked black rice
(Wehini or wild rice can be substituted)
2 cups dice peeled oranges
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds, toasted
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground chipotle
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced into half inch cubes
4 Lettuce leaves for arranging the salad and peeled orange wedges for garnish

In a bowl combine the cooked rice, orange juice, toasted pumpkin seeds, orange zest, salt and chipotle. I squeeze a lemon or lime over the avocado pieces (to keep them green longer ) before I gently mix them into the rice mixture.

Spoon the salad onto the ‘lettuce cups’ and garnish with orange slices. Since it was a potluck I just put the salad into the bowl.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your salad looks delicious. You should post the recipe.

Anonymous said...

Great garden tour! I bet there was some food just as great!
Lynn

Anonymous said...

Yes, please! Post the recipe! I was eating some at about 10:30 last night and I kept finding different things in it.
"Oh wow, there's oranges in there!"
"Oh wow, there's pumpkin seeds in there!"
"Oh wow, there's avocado in there!"
But for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what the main ingredient was. Y'know, the black things that look like mouse turds. I've never heard of black rice before. Very unique and very yummy!

So glad you were able to come yesterday. It was great to see you both. Now the "thistles" in your pictures are actually Sea Hollys. The one seen with the yellow Lilies is Alpine Sea Holly (Eryngium alpinum) and the other is Eryngium 'Sapphire Blue.'

The "what is this?" is a grow-thru I made out of grapevines to support my Peonies.

The "tell me what this is again" is Elecampane (Inula helenium). For years I thought it was Oxeye Daisy because that's what I was told it was. But I recently was set straight.

Teresa said...

Mouse turds indeed! I heard other folks thought it might be caviar. So you think I may out to spread hantavirus and they think I can afford caviar for eight! Just the same I am glad you liked it and I'll send/post the recipe soon. Thanks for setting me straight on the Sea Holly.

Diana said...

That salad does look wonderful and the garden is fabulous! Sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer day.

Owen said...

teresa...all the way from Zambia I am peaking in...if just to see what might be blooming at my w. seatle garden. I have to say, I am a fan of black rice but...I'll bet you can find it if you look for "forbidden rice" (at whole foods, pcc, mm) - and much easier to find than a hen's tooth!

Teresa said...

Dear Owen, you are right : I should try harder; hunt more seriously. It is winter now in Africa. Will it snow? Hah! I think not! Thank you so much for reading my blog.

Roger, I am glad it is NOT an Oxeye Daisy as those are on King County's noxious weed list and I wanna, wanna, want one of those Inula helenium.

Chigly, I WILL share, promise!

Little sister; Oh yes, the food was delish, but no better than what we will share at your house. I want FRESHLY PICKED Wisconsin corn, so put it on the menu!


Diana, Every day of summer is perfect....I'm a teacher(;