Middle Eastern Cracked Wheat Pilaf and Cracked Wheat Pilaf with Apples and Raisins

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp. dried lemon zest
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 to 2 green onions, sliced fine
• 1 sm. garlic clove, pressed
• 1/2 tsp. Tabasco
• hot pepper sauce
• 1 can (8-3/4 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 can (2-1/4 oz.) sliced black olives
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup dried apples (see note)
• 2 tbsp. raisins
• currants (see note)
• 1/4 cup OR
• more apple juice
• water (see note)
• 2 tbsp. chopped toasted pecans, walnuts,
• almonds (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp. butter
• Salt to taste

1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup bulgur wheat, reduce heat to medium, and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
3. Pour into a strainer and drain well.
4. Transfer half to another dish for the children.
5. For the children: Stir in the apples, raisins, pecans (if using), and butter.
6. Season with salt, if desired.
7. For the Adults: Put the lemon zest, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, Tabasco sauce, garbanzo beans, and olives in a small microwave safe dish.
8. Microwave at full power for 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Fold into the bulgur wheat for the grown ups.
10. Season with salt and cayenne.
11. NOTE: If desired, the apples and raisins can be softened and plumped in apple juice.
12. Place the dried fruits in a microwave safe dish and cover with apple juice.
13. Microwave at full power for 1 minute.
14. Let stand, then drain when ready to use.
15. Serves 2 adults and 2 or 3 children.
16. The Whole Family Cookbook.,.Two Tiered Meals to Please, Both Parents and Kids.

bulgur wheat, lemon zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, tabasco, pepper sauce, garbanzo beans, black olives, salt, dried apples, raisins, currants, or, apple juice, water, pecans, almonds, butter, salt

Taken from www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/20796 (may not work)