SWEET COUS COUS WITH DRIED FRUIT
Serves 4-6
2 1/3 cups water
½ cup sugar
2 cups good quality dried fruit (apricots, sultanas, dates, apples, cranberries)
2 ½ cups couscous
½ cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
½ cup coarsely chopped toasted and skinned hazelnuts
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired or butter works well
Method
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar and dried fruit. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps, add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestion:Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.
Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.