Skillet Sensations

quick & easy

It's a superfast cooking method associated with Asian food, but stir-frying works I with all sorts of flavors. The key to success is to have all the ingredients ready to go before you turn on the stove. Cut the meat and vegetables into bite-size pieces, and keep everything moving in the pan for even cooking. - VICKI A. POELLNITZ

Sausage Stir-fry

MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

PREP: 15 MIN., COOK: 25 MIN.

1 (10-oz.) box plain couscous

¼ cup chopped pecans

1 lb. hot Italian sausage links

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

½ medium-size red onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

½ (20-oz.) package bite-size dried plums

2 Granny Smith apples, chopped

1 ¼ cups chicken broth

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. grated orange rind

2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice

½ tsp. salt

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions. Keep warm.

Count On Couscous

It's pasta that looks like grits, except fluffier. Couscous is a fast substitute for rice, potatoes, noodles, or large-shaped pastas. Choose a whole wheat version for healthful benefits. Best of all, you don't have to cook it, and it's ready in minutes.

* Pour boiling water or broth over couscous in large bowl.

* Cover bowl, and let stand 5 minutes.

* Uncover and fluff with a fork.

2. Heat pecans in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted. Remove from skillet.

3. Remove casing from sausage, and cut into ½-inch slices.

4. Heat skillet or wok at medium-high heat 1 minute. Add sausage, and stirfry 7 to 8 minutes or until done and no longer pink.

5. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to skillet, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add plums and apples, and stir-fry IVz to 2 minutes. Stir together chicken broth and next 5 ingredients until cornstarch is dissolved. Add to sausage mixture, and bring to a boil. Boil 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over couscous. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.

LETHA BURDETTE

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Simple Stir-fry

MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

PREP: 5 MIN., COOK: 11 MIN.

For a heartier version, stir in 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, pork, or beef.

1 (14.5-oz.) can low-sodium fat-free chicken broth

¼ cup lite soy sauce

1 to 2 Tbsp. chili-garlic paste

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. ground ginger

2 Tbsp. dark sesame oil

1 (16-oz.) package frozen stir-fry vegetables

1. Whisk together first 6 ingredients.

2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok at medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add vegetables, and stir-fry 5 to 7 minutes. Add broth mixture, and stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2007
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