Spiced Couscous

Couscous is an excellent accompaniment to just about any kind of meat, fish or poultry dish, and it is very fast and easy to prepare. Because the grains are so small they cook in a boiling liquid, off the flame, in about five minutes. Couscous can be purchased in pre-packaged form or it can be found in the health food section of most markets in the bulk-food bins. This flavorful spiced variation with raisins and cashews was in a Bon Appe'tit Magazine years ago. For our Easter meal yesterday, I did not add the cashews because the salad had cashews in it and I didn't want to overdo a good thing. The sweet and savory spices were a wonderful combination with our ham. Blessings...

Recipe:
2 tbsps. butter
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
2-1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup raisins
1-1/2 cups couscous (1 10-oz. box)
1/4 cup chopped toasted cashews, optional

1. Melt the butter in a 3 qt. saucepan over low heat. Add spices and cook 2 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Add broth and raisins. Bring to a boil. Mix in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes. Add nuts, if using, stir and serve.

Yield: 6 servings