Moroccan Couscous Salad

Since my internet connection has been so shaky, I decided to take advantage of it tonight and put up a couple of posts. This is my first attempt at Moroccan cuisine. I had found some whole wheat Israeli couscous at the store and wanted to make a spicy, zesty cold salad with it. Incorporating traditional Moroccan spices and ingredients such as Turkish apricots and pistachios, this salad is an incredibly filling and unique meal. The flavoring is intense. So much so, that after mixing the salad, you should carefully sprinkle in the spice mix slowly until you reach a desired level of intensity. It is a filling vegetarian meal as well as an exciting side dish with grilled meat or fish. It is also quick and simple to prepare and will last 2-3 days in the fridge.

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Tomato and Fennel Salad

Craig is away on a business trip tonight so I seized the opportunity to make something with fresh tomatoes, since he hates them. I wanted to take advantage of all the tomatoes and herbs available right now and build a healthy salad with a lot of flavor courtesy of some crisp and spicy fennel. And my awesome grandma just sent me a mandolin for my birthday. I have been itching to use it. I got the most amazing paper-thin slices with it. Stay tuned for more mandolin adventures!

This is a great starter or a main course, since the chickpeas add both protein and fiber to the dish. You can also serve it with some arugula or kale if you want to add greens. I threw in some baby bok choy because I love it and had it in the fridge. The dressing is so simple, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic with some fresh parsley.

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Wholesome Wednesday Links

So...for the past few days we have had no internet in the new apartment! I have been cooking up a storm, but can't put any of the new recipes online! So. Hopefully it will be fixed today and I can show you some of the things I've been working on. In the meantime, here are some new links:

• Is watching TV as bad as smoking? - MSNBC
• Walnuts: new superfood? - HuffPo
• Fight acid reflux with these recipes - Health.com
• Are you getting enough Vitamin D? - WebMD

Chicken Satay

Chicken satay is one of my favorite take out foods. The blend of spices and creamy dipping sauce makes for a tasty appetizer or main course. Because it's served on sticks, it is also an easy finger food for any party or get together you throw. There are many different versions of this dish, but this is a Thai inspired one. It is marinated in a lemongrass ginger marinade and then grilled (you can also use a George Forman Grill if you like) and served with peanut sauce. It takes some time to put together, but overall it is quite simple and soooo delicious!

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