Couscous- with Cranberry and Chicken

I use to have a roommate that was Jordanian, and really did not like being in the kitchen. She made one thing, chicken couscous with tomatoes. I did not grow up eating couscous but have grown to love it. It is perect because you can use the couscous as a base and add what you like. This can be a quick and simple meal or side depending on what is added.

1 (10oz) Box of Couscous
1 Small Yellow Onion (chopped)
1 Large Garlic Clove (chopped)
2 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon of Butter
1/2 Cup Chopped Carrots
2 Cups of Chicken Broth
3/4 Cup Chopped Parsley
1/3 Cup Chopped Mint
1 Scallions Chopped
1 Cup of Chopped Cooked Chicken
1 Cup of Dried Cranberries
Juice of 1 Lemon
Salt and Pepper to Taste

In a saucepan cook onions and garlic with 1 Tablespoon of Oil and Butter for about 3 minutes add the carrots and Chicken broth. Once the broth starts to boil add Couscous. (It will take between 3-5 minutes of the couscous to absorb the broth- watch to make sure it is not over cooked) In a large boil mix together the remaining ingredient with the couscous. Can serve warm or cold.

Posted by Patty in Recipes, Sides. No comments »

St. Patty’s Day- Sugared Cut-out Cookies

It is pretty special that I have a holiday with my name. Yes, St. Patty’s day is right around the corner and when I was a little girl my sisters would call me Patrick too. These cookies are very simple, and can be used for really any holiday or event. I also like that it is decorated with colored sugar instead of an icing. Now, another favorite idea for St. Patty’s Day I wrote about a while back. I still think it is a brilliant idea, thanks again Mrs. Frost.

8 oz. Softened Cream Cheese

2 Sticks of Butter

1 Egg (separated)

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla

¼ Cup of Sugar

1 Tablespoon of Baking Powder

½ Teaspoon of Salt

2 Cups of Flour

Colored Sugar

Preheat 350

With an electric mixer beat until fluffy the butter and cream cheese followed by adding the egg yolk, vanilla, and sugar. On low speed or by hand with a spoon; mix in the flour, baking powder, and the salt. Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch. Cut into your desired shapes. Brush the cookie with egg white and cover with colored sugar. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes.

Posted by Patty in Sweets. No comments »