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.