Healthy Recipes are back and just in time for the New Year!  I hope this year's featured recipes will be even tastier, healthier, and easier to make than those featured in 2008.  To start things off right, I've selected a delicious recipe compliments of that doyenne of American cookery, Betty Crocker.  As my mother always says, "You can't go wrong with Betty."  This recipe comes from a new cookbook featuring Whole Grains.  The recipes are healthy and simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.  Enjoy!

Couscous, Corn & Lima Bean Saute

prep time:  20 min.  6 servings (1 2/3 cups each)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 box (11 oz) whole wheat couscous
• 1 box or bag (10oz) frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
• 2 boxes (9 oz each) frozen baby lima beans, thawed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1. Heat oven to 350°.  Place almonds in ungreased shallow pan.  Bake 5 minutes to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.  Do not let nuts burn.
2. In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Add onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is crisp-tender.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients except almonds.  Heat to boiling over high heat.  Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.  Fluff before serving.  Sprinkle with almonds.

A tip from Betty:  This recipe goes together in just minutes, thanks to whole wheat couscous, a whole grain that has already been cooked and dried.  All you do is add water and veggies, heat to boiling, let stand and fluff.  Now that's a real time savings!

Scarlett's Tips for Success:  Detest lima beans?  I do!  They are one of the few beans I just can't bring myself to love.  So I substitute in other veggies or even fruit.  Just about anything will work.  I'm especially fond of carrots and peas and the occasional diced apple.  Experiment with what you like or have on hand.  Also, for an eco-friendly salad, bring your own plastic container to a store like the Topeka Natural Food Co-op and fill it up with healthy whole wheat couscous straight from the bulk food bins.  Not only will it cost less than a box of couscous, but they'll be no packaging to deal with either!  The staff there will be happy to weigh your container before filling it up.  This tip also works splendidly for restocking your spice rack.