Maple Spiced Cous Cous with Cranberries, Pears, & Almonds

Hi and happy Monday. I hope you all had a fabulously relaxing weekend before they become consumed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

You won’t hear me complaining about that hustle and bustles. I love, love, love all things holiday. If I could, I would have had the house all decked out in decor weeks ago (and I’d leave it up until February).

And being that this is the Train and mine first holiday season together as a married couple, I’m trying to establish some new traditions unique to our little family to create long-lasting memories.

A few traditions the Train and I have as of now are: every Valentine’s day we go to P.F. Changs for dinner, every Thanksgiving and Christmas night we go to the movies (Thanksgiving is just for us two, Christmas is with the family), and as of last year we decorate the house the night after Thanksgiving (it’s more like I decorate while the Train enjoys the yummy treats I prepared).

I know how excited we both get about Valentine’s day, preparing months in advanced, I’d like to create that same sort of feelings and memories for our holidays (beyond the pressents and food).

Here are some ideas I have so far:

• Annual Turkey Trot (local 5K)
• walk to the Plaza Holiday Lights Thanksgiving night + coffee date
• Pick up the Christmas tree Friday
•  Soup and mulled cider (or wine) Friday with decorating
• Watch old cheezy movies or old classics

While I’m trying to think up ideas, I’ll share with you a recipe I know we’ll be enjoying throughout the holidays. It too might just become a holiday tradition.

Maple Spiced Cous Cous with Cherries, Pears, & Almonds

A taste of seasons, this salad is great for a side or as a main dish as the weather cools, the turkey gobbles, and the holiday bells ring.

1 c. uncooked cous cous

1 1/2 – 3/4 c. water

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1 pear – cubed

1/3 c. sliced almonds

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp sea salt

Bring water to boil in a pot or a kettle.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the cous cous, almonds, nutmeg, cinnamon and cranberries. Once the water has come to a boil, add to the bowl.

Cover immediate to be sure all the heat remains within the bowl to cook the cous cous.

Fluff with a fork as you would rice, drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, and sprinkle with salt. Gently fluff again to combine. And enjoy!

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Tell me about you.

Be gentle. Be kind. Be loving to you.