We have a winner of the Cacao Bliss giveaway (congrats, Karla!), but remember, your 10% off coupon for Open Sky is still good until tomorrow!
Smart Food
While I was home over the weekend, we picked up a cranberry couscous at Whole Foods to have with dinner. Funny enough, I didn’t think I liked couscous because of the texture. But that’s because I hadn’t tried Israeli couscous, which is much bigger, and which was featured in our cranberry couscous. Now that I loved!

So in honor of my new-found enjoyment of Israeli couscous, I decided to make my own last night. And of course, I threw in my grain/seed true-love, quinoa.
Quinoa Couscous
Serves 2-3
1 c. Israeli couscous
1 T. olive oil
1 c. quinoa
2 c. water
1 c. green beans
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 c. cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
In a skillet over medium heat, saute the couscous with the oil until the grains start to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the quinoa, water, and green beans. Lower the heat to medium-low so that the food is just simmering. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining ingredients, and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the water is absorbed.
Serve with your choice of toppings. Topping ideas:
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded Asiago or Parmesan cheese
- Red Peppers
- Fresh herbs
I didn’t have any marinara sauce on hand, so I used a Red Pepper spread from Trader Joe’s and some shredded Asiago cheese.
I loved all the flavor and texture combinations in this dish. They went together perfectly! And I have enough leftovers for at least 2 more meals… score!

Smart Fitness
The weather is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous today, so I’m going to try to find time for a nice 10 mile ride outside. It will be my first ride on my new bike OUTSIDE!
Smart Life
We have a Madison blogger meet-up tonight, and I am so excited. It has been far too long since I last met up with all these wonderful ladies!
Are there any foods that you didn’t like until you tried a new variation of them?


































I’m the same way! I don’t like the itty bitty couscous, but Israeli couscous is a whole different story
Definitely! SO good!
That looks so good! I’ve actually never had Israeli couscous but that looks outstanding
Thank you! It is really easy to make, too!
Love Israeli couscous! I used to hate eggplant — it sort of freaked me out but once I started adding it to pizza then it was delish! Have fun at the meet-up tonight
Um, I still don’t like eggplant. Except for when it is in the curry I get at the local Thai restaurant… that is the only time I’ve liked it! I think the texture is too rubbery for me?
i want to come to the blogger meet up.
i could list a million reasons why.
but i think you know them all.
so i will just say this.
have fun.
I will. And we’ll have another meet-up when you are in Madison next month.
This is such a great idea! I love mixed grain dishes. Yummm
Oh, and cous cous is the best!