Breakfast Couscous With Dried Fruit Compote Food

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. 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.
• Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

SWEET DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups of the water with the dried fruit in a large bowl. Let soak for 1 hour.
• In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, orange juice, sugar, and lemon zest over medium-high heat. Add the fruit and the soaking liquid to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cinnamon and clove. Simmer 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has softened and the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Serve warm or cold.
• Cook's Note: If using store bought dried fruit, chop the pieces into 1/2-inch chunks and simmer the mixture an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

FRUIT AND YOGURT BREAKFAST COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Set aside two bowls and divide the dry couscous between them (pouring half in each).
• If using dried fruit, set aside a third bowl and fill with the fruit.
• Add the water and 1 tbsp honey to a small saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and pour 1/2 cup boiling water over each bowl of couscous. Pour the remaining water over the dried fruit (this will allow the fruit to plump and become tender and even more delicious).
• Cover each bowl of couscous and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the water has been fully absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
• Drain the water from the bowl of fruit. Add half the yogurt to each bowl. Divide the fruit in half between the bowls. Divide the chopped almonds between the bowls. Drizzle each bowl with 1 tbsp honey. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp cinnamon on each bowl. Mix, if desired. Enjoy, it's delicious!
• Notes: I love a combination of dried fruit with this dish. I have used dried apricots, pears, cherries, raisins, blueberries, goji berries, currents and dates (not all at once, but hey why not?). Raisins are by far the easiest as they are a staple in many kitchens (and they're great in this dish).
• Notes (for serving an adult and a young child): Divide the dry couscous between two bowls: 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup. Make sure to chop the dried fruit into bite-sized pieces. When dividing the water between the bowls, add 5-oz boiling water to the adult portion and 3-oz to the child portion (using a measuring cup makes this easy). Skip the nuts if your child hasn't been introduced to them yet or if the pieces are large enough to present a choking hazard. Also, make sure your child has gotten an OK from the doctor to eat honey (typically given at 1 year).

DRIED AND FRESH FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Mix together all dried fruits.
• Cover with boiling water.
• Leave in a sealed container overnight to soften.
• Peel all fresh fruits and cut into quarters.
• Place in saucepan and cover with water.
• Bring to boil and simmer till soft - about 15 - 20 minutes.
• When soft, drain and combine with drained dried fruit.
• Allow to cool, refrigerate before serving.
• Can be served hot or cold.

HOT BREAKFAST COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, honey and cinnamon. As soon as it comes to a boil, stir in the couscous. Turn off the heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the apricots, raisins and almonds.