Spiced Rum Punch & Curried Winter Squash

My sassy single client is having a holiday party for singles. She wanted quick & easy recipes from me, but recipes that she also wanted to hand out at the party which I think is a delicious idea. I came up with two great recipes that I am sure will be a hit. One for a curried winter squash that will really kick up the taste buds and then there is the spiced rum punch that will truly get the party going. Kosher soul will the all over the shindig.

Nosh on,
Shoshi
"Luscious Lifestyle Diva"



Curried Winter Squash

Slice any squash in half, discard the seeds and cut into wedges. Brush entirely in melted butter and season with curry powder. Roast on a baking sheet at 400 degrees until softened , about 25-30 minutes. Season with kosher salt.

Spiced Rum Punch

3 tbsp. whole cloves
3 sm. oranges
1/2 gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 c. rum

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press cloves generously into oranges. Place on baking dish. Bake 45 minutes. In large saucepan, heat cider and cinnamon sticks. Prick hot oranges with a fork. Place in a punch bowl. Pour hot cider over oranges. Stir in rum. Serve warm. Makes 12 about servings.

Israeli Couscous

I love me some couscous! It makes such a great side dish with almost anything.

Here is are fun facts about Israeli Couscous:

Israeli couscous is a version of North African Berkukes, introduced by immigrants from various parts of North Africa in the early 1950s, and Levantine Maghrebiyya common in Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Couscous was meant to provide a rice substitute for those immigrants from eastern Arab countries and from Persia. Unlike North African couscous, it is not semolina, but rather a toasted mixture of bulgur and flour.

Here's a great recipe you can use with fish or simply by itself. Nosh on!

~Shoshi


Israeli Couscous with Feta and Cucumber

Kosher salt and pepper
1 ½ cup Israeli couscous
1 cucumber, seeded, sliced, and quartered
1 cup of feta cheese
½ cup pecans (optional)
2/3 cup red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil


1) In a medium pot of boiling salted water cook couscous for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and cool by running under cool water
2) Transfer couscous to a large bowl. Add cucumber, feta, vinegar, oil, and pecans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss till everything is combined.