Written by Rosemary Mantini | 16 February 2009

Although often mistaken for a grain, couscous is actually pasta. Made by rolling moistened semolina wheat, it’s nutritious and very easy to prepare. The type that’s easiest to find in practically any grocery store is the tiny-grained variety. This Moroccan couscous, as it’s called, has been pre-steamed. Just like parboiled rice, it takes all of five minutes to cook through.

Couscous has no real discernible flavour of its own. So, the more flavourful the stock, the better the couscous will taste. Quick and easy, just add a pat of butter and couscous to boiling stock. Turn the heat off. Let it stand for a few minutes, fluff the grains with a fork, and serve. Couscous is a great alternative for rice, pasta or potatoes.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you might want to try some of the other types of couscous. The Israeli and Lebanese varieties are more or less the size of peas and need to be cooked in a pot of water (or stock), just like pasta. They will take about 30 minutes to cook.

Written by the Tidings Staff | 15 February 2009

Looking for a beautiful and environmentally friendly addition for your kitchen? Try bamboo. In recent years, the uniqueness and beauty of bamboo cutting boards have prompted many consumers to take notice and bring them into their homes. Totally Bamboo has introduced a new line of products that is "shaping up" to raise interest to a higher level.

Totally Bamboo's Tropical Series Cutting & Serving Boards come in creative and fun shapes. The products are designed with tropical in-lay in the shape of surf boards, pineapples and Ukuleles. Great for parties or everyday use, the fanciful designs make interesting conversation pieces. Bamboo is a renewable resource and is harder than traditional hardwoods making these products durable and long-lasting. Designed with earth friendly living in mind, the Tropical series of cutting boards are made from organically cultivated bamboo. They are also free from formaldehyde adhesives, dyes or stains.

Up to now, traditional hardwood cutting boards, like those made from bamboo, had to be washed by hand due to the nature of the adhesives used in them. But the new GreenLite series of bamboo cutting boards from Totally Bamboo saves water, time and effort in the kitchen, because they are the first bamboo boards that are safe to be cleaned in a dishwasher.  These products use "TriPly" construction. They are built using a food-grade adhesive that withstands the high temperature of the dishwasher without compromising the durability or quality of the board.