Friday, January 8, 2010

Present & Future Good Eats


The seed perusing has started. I've begun going through the seeds on hand, then will move on to the catalogs, to see just what wonderful offerings we need this year. Yesterday, I went through my herb & flower seeds. I was hoping to find some poppies, but didn't. I'd really like to get some started here, but have not had any luck so far. I love their cheerful beauty, and would appreciate any tips in getting them started. J and I have been talking chickens. As our youngest "girls" will soon be 2 years old, we'll get a few more this spring, to keep us in eggs over the coming year. I'll have to pick up the list at our local feed & seed to see what they'll be getting in. It's such fun to go there, and see the sweet fuzzy chicks. I made a Giada recipe we enjoyed.


Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs


Couscous:

2 tbs olive oil

2 c couscous (or barley or orzo)

4 c low-sodium chicken broth (I used vegi broth)

1/4 c chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 1/2 tbs chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 medium green apple diced

1 c dried cranberries

1/2 c slivered almonds, toasted (see note)


Vinaigrette:

1/4 c apple cider vinegar

2 tbs maple syrup

1 tbs kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 olive oil


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 3-5 mins. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-12 mins or until liquid has evaporated. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add 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.



Note: To toast the almonds, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 mins or until golden brown (keep a close eye on these). Cool completely before using.


I wasn't sure about the combination of ingredients, but was quite pleased with the results. It's always heartening to sit down to a meal that includes so many ingredients that were from this land. This time that was the sweet potatoes, green beans, garlic, apple, herbs, & apple cider vinegar. Forgive my bragging, but it sure makes me feel good. Of course, I did follow it up with some Green & Black mint dark chocolate. One of many things I'd miss if I had to grow it all here!

6 comments:

kriips said...

Laurie, I love your posts! You're such an awesome blogger! Always great pics and inspirational notes...

I Hope you and Joseph will have a great New Year!

As for seeds and such - what are you looking for?
Maybe we should organize a seed saving day and do some sharing with other interested people even before buying?

kriips said...

PS! this picture is making me hungry. Looks absolutely delish!

Laurie said...

Anne, that's a great idea!! I've yet to go thru my vegi seeds, so not sure yet. Think I've got a long way to go with my pics. The food ones especially don't turn out like I'd hope. Oh well, another area to grow! What can I do help the seed sharing day along?

sarah said...

What a great recipe. Couscous is my favorite.

Seed catalogs.. don't you love those treasures in the mail? I sure do!

p.s the pretzle recipe (in case you were wondering) is in the Better Homes and Gardens recipe book. Thanks for your nice comment and good to hear from you!

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

Have fun with the seed shopping. I've sort of gone crazy with them already. I have lots of red breadseed poppy seeds if you would like some. I'd be happy to share, if you're interested send me an email (my address is on the contact button on my sidebar). I grew them for the first time last year, just threw the seeds out in very early Spring. Some people put them out even earlier.
The couscous looks and sound delicious!

Magnolia Handspun said...

This looks super good...I'll have to try this..especially with the cranberries and apples.
I get pummeled with seed catalogs every year....are you looking for some specfic?