This one's for Connie

My sister, Connie, is a real foodie.  She makes the most incredible dishes, mostly by putting what she thinks would taste good together.  I tend to follow the recipe to the letter.  If it calls for a 1/4 teaspoon of something I don't haveon hand, I have to buy it -- even if the container has more than I'll ever use and it costs more than I think it should -- how could a recipe possibly taste great if it's not followed exactly?

I'm trying to be more creative these days.  I love to cross stitch but can't afford to frame project I create, so I plan to come up with other finishing techniques.  When I wanted to make a bulgar wheat salad but didn't have enough walnuts, craisins, or lemon juice, I devised this little diddy --  a bulgar wheat salad with a few craisins, raisins, pistachios, oranges, along with fresh squeezed oranges, a touch of honey and a little bit of olive oil.  I have to say, it's tasty!  So here's to you Connie -- in honor of your birthday and for all your kitchen creativity and inspiration!