Lets face it, making dinner for your family every night can get old and monotonous. I found myself staring in the pantry thinking "I'm so TIRED of the same ol' thing for dinner," SO I started researching meals online and experimenting with ways to rev up some old favorites. I try to make at least 2 new recipes a week and rarely make the same thing twice in one month. I'm going to pass along to you favorite recipes, ideas to spice things up, and links to my favorite recipe sites. Hope you enjoy the ride. Cooking for your family should be FUN- not boring!



Saturday, April 24, 2010

Israeli Couscous

This is one of my FAVORITE new recipes! I have been taking it to group events whenever I am asked to bring a "salad" or "side" because it is so different and YUMMY! The Israeli couscous taste more like a pasta and less like traditional couscous.

Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis (Everyday Italian Cooking on Food Network- love it!)

Ingredients

Couscous:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups Israeli couscous (or barley or orzo) - You can find this at Harmons
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I use dried Parsley, Rosemary and Thyme to taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 medium green apple, diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional: toasted)

Vinaigrette: (I only use 1/2- 3/2 of the dressing on the pasta)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil


Directions
For the couscous: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly browned and aromatic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, apple, dried cranberries, and almonds.

For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until smooth. Pour the vinaigrette over the couscous and toss to coat evenly.

* I love this best once it has chilled in the fridge for awhile (or overnight). Sometimes I add shredded chicken to it and make it a meal :) Enjoy! It is definately one of my favorites :)

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