Semi-homemade

I was given a cookbook the other day at work. We had featured it on our morning talk show and had an interview with the author. The producer was nice enough to let me keep the cookbook. (Another very nice perk of my job!) Well, I absolutely love this cookbook. It's called "Semi-Homemade 20-Minute Meals 2" By Sandra Lee. One of my pre-requisites for cookbooks is one that has lots (and I mean lots) of pretty colorful photographs. Being a visual person, I really like to know what things are supposed to look like. This book has a full page photo of each and every recipe. The recipes are great! Every page has something on it that I would cook and eat. The fact that they're quick and super easy makes it even better.


Last night I made the "Black Bean & Spinach Couscous". I probably would not have made this dish if it weren't for the very pretty photograph of the finished product. Not only was it delicious, it was very healthy as well. And it made for my entire meal. For dinner last night and lunch today. And I still have more for later that I will set out as a side dish for our Sunday dinner. Sandra Lee claims that it takes 10 minutes to make from start to finish. And she was right on. And that included time to do the dishes.


I have just now decided that as I make some of the recipes, I will post my opinions here on my blog. As well as posting the recipes and photos too. Enjoy!



Black Bean & Spinach Couscous

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup couscous, Near East
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach
3/4 cup black beans, drained
2 tsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper

1. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring chicken broth to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 min.

2. Squeeze excess water out of thawed spinach. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine spinach and black beans. Heat in microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir spinach and black beans mixture into couscous. Add lemon juice and season to taste with salt & pepper.