One of the traditions of the new year for gardeners is the checking out of all the new plant material that is available
in the seed and nursery catalogs. Although for some species such as hostas and day lilies we may feel that we already
have enough, there will be some new varieties that will get our attention.  Looking at some of the award winners is a good place to start.


http://www.aas-winners.com/Winners.asp

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GARDEN RECIPE ~

 

North African Couscous Soup

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, minced

1/2 cup chopped celery, including some leaves

2 teaspoons ground cumin

Salt and ground pepper

1 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 quarts vegetable stock or water

1. Put the olive oil in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. When hot, add
 the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin
and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir constantly to keep the spices from burning and cook until
just fragrant, about a minute. Add the couscous and continue stirring and cooking until the couscous
begins to toast and darken, 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir in the tomato paste until it is evenly distributed and
begins to color, another minute of two; then add the stock and stir to dissolve the tomato paste. 

2. Bring the soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook without disturbing until the
couscous is plump and tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve.