Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts and Corn for a Festive Cold Buffet

There is an old building in my town I've been eyeing rather lustfully. Made of creamy brick, is located along the river, in the very place where wild rice once grew. If my resources were unlimited, I would buy it and turn it into a double-decker restaurant.

Upstairs, the food would be formal but inventive. Steak, of course, because this is Wisconsin, but with healthier pairings than baked potato with butter and sour cream. A bit traditional to appeal to local palates, but not too stuffy. I'd sneak more vegetables in to my menu and try to educate my diners. I wonder how long I'd last in this meat-and-potatoes town?

Downstairs, the fare would be more casual: Soups, salads, sandwiches and souffles.

In both venues, I would concentrate on regional foods, building my menu around wild rice, of course, as well as cheese, cranberries, apples, cherries and game: Rather hearty, especially in the winter, but always healthy.

Of course, I have limited resources. But I can dream.

One of my menu staples would be this wild rice, walnut and corn salad, adapted from the American Institute for Cancer Research. AICR's recipes are delicous and usually very easy to make. Did I mention good for you?

Wild and Brown Rice, Walnut and Corn Salad

2 cups cooked wild rice and brown rice mix
3/4 cup corn kernels
2 whole scallions, sliced
3 tablepoon chopped walnuts
2 tablespoon chopped red onion
2 tablespoon chopped red and green pepper
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoons parsely flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine everything but oil vinegar and seasonings in a large bowl. Blend vinegar, olive oil and seasonings in a smaller bowl. Toss and allow to stand for 30 minutes in the refrigerator so the flavors can marry.

This would be wonderful on a holiday buffet table served with cold turkey.

It's been lots of fun watching the action at the Menu for Hope donation page. I want them all!

I've bid on a few things that will — if I win them — make my next trip to Paris much more enjoyable. I encourage you to visit the site and buy a chance to win my fabulous box of six fruit butters. You'll win a surprise and probably my heart as well.

Plus, you can see what your favorite bloggers and foodies are vying for. I am sure I'll be back shopping again before the Dec 22 deadline.