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stampinmom3
04-28-2009, 06:40 AM
Hi girls. I bought two things yesteray I've never cooked. I bought fresh asparagus and couscous. How do I cook them? (not together lol)

ctinyjoy
04-28-2009, 07:48 AM
Kim,

I have personally never cooked either one of these, but I have seen Paula Deen steam asparagus. Perhaps you can look on her site, or cooks.com for ideas.

mahodgman
04-28-2009, 08:39 AM
I can't help you with the couscous. Aparagus is pretty easy, though. Personally, I just cut it up and steam it in my mircrowave. I have heard that you should steam it straight up and down. The person who told me that said to use an old percolator coffee pot, stand the stalks up and steam with a little water in the bottom. The microwave works just fine!

dancing queen
04-28-2009, 08:48 AM
Roasted asparagus is wonderful... I've attached a link which has photos and detailed instructions. http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/101/Roasted-Asparagus-Spears
enjoy

logcabincreations
04-28-2009, 09:02 AM
I love steaming asparagus in the microwave....then just add a little butter and parmesan cheese...that's the way I like to eat it :)

I've never cooked couscous either.

loobylou
04-28-2009, 09:30 AM
couscous is easy.
If you bought the instant variety you just add boiling water. Follow the directions on the packet. or below.
Basically you use equal parts couscous and boiling water in a dish (not on stove), cover and let sit for 5 minutes, fluff it and it's done

I like mine plain, like this recipe, as a side dish with lamb.
I also like to make a salad with it. HERE"S THE RECIPE (http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/3271/pumpkin+cashew+couscous+salad)

Couscous is very popular in Australia. This Aussie cooking site has over 200 recipes (http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/search.php?keywords=couscous&publication=)using couscous. Let me know what you make

shadoob
04-28-2009, 10:20 AM
I make cous cous just like Sarah does. It's just equal parts boiling water and couscous. I like it with butter and salt but many people eat it sweetened.

I make my asparagus in the oven. I sprinkle it with olive oil, thyme and salt. Bake for 10 minutes. Then shake the pan around and bake another 5 ish minutes yum!

Far North
04-28-2009, 10:25 AM
Sarah thanks for sharing that great site!

Here is one of my fav salmon recipes with couscous...perhaps because it is mixed and baked all in one dish-very fast to put together.

Salmon with Couscous Pilaf
2 cups couscous
3 carrots, (about 6 medium), chop into small piece
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups water, salt and pepper

Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 skinless salmon fillets
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon wedges, for serving

1 Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. In a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, mix together carrots, couscous, almonds, raisins, mint, oil, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on top of couscous mixture; season generously with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover pan with foil; bake until fish is opaque throughout, 30 to 35 minutes.
Transfer fish to plates. Fluff couscous with a fork; serve with fish and lemon wedges.

logcabincreations
04-28-2009, 11:03 AM
That sounds good Jan....minus the raisins...I don't like them in anything except cookies :)

TiikkiStars
04-28-2009, 03:01 PM
I add fresh minced garlic and some fresh shredded parmasean to my couscous.

And a BIG vote for ROASTED asparagas!!! Yum!

:> Karen

stampinmom3
04-29-2009, 06:35 AM
Thank you all so much. I can't wait to try them both!

stampinmom3
04-29-2009, 06:44 AM
OH, and I'm going to try the roasted recipe. MMM MMM

teabear
04-29-2009, 09:22 AM
Just one more thing about asparagus. Before you cook it, bend it and it will naturally break off. The bottom part the comes off is very woody and tough. I don't cook that part, just the top part. Another vote for roasted asparagus here.

stampinmom3
04-29-2009, 07:18 PM
OH MY!! I do not like asparagus until today!! The roasted recipe rocks!! We loved it! Both the kids too! I could live without the couscous. I really need to "soup it up" a little more. The broth I used was chicken and I put some seasonings in, but it was still bland as heck. Any suggestions??

cindi
04-29-2009, 07:23 PM
OH MY!! I do not like asparagus until today!! The roasted recipe rocks!! We loved it! Both the kids too! I could live without the couscous. I really need to "soup it up" a little more. The broth I used was chicken and I put some seasonings in, but it was still bland as heck. Any suggestions??

I like to add a couple tablespoons of fresh herbs and sometimes some parmesan cheese to mine.
:)

shadoob
04-29-2009, 07:24 PM
You should think of the couscous as pasta and season it that way (that's essentially what it is). I always use butter, salt and pepper.

I can't wait to tell my dd about the review on the asparagus, as that was her recipe. I'm glad you liked it!

stampinmom3
04-29-2009, 08:44 PM
Cheryl it was soooo good. I have never like aspargus in my 41 years till tonight. I want to run back to the farmers market and get more tomorrow. lol