RECIPES & DELIGTHS

HONEY-CARAMELIZED 'COTS

I love to add a little honey (lavender honey is my favorite) to the cavity of halved, pitted apricots and broil them until lightly browned and bubbling. Adjust oven rack to about 6 inches below broiler element; preheat broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Wash, dry and halve eight ripe apricots and remove pits. Place cut side up on prepared sheet. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon honey onto each apricot half. Broil about three minutes, or until bubbling and caramelized. Serve warm with ice cream or use to accompany grilled chicken breasts.

FRUIT-SPIKED COUSCOUS

Prepare a packaged couscous mix, such as Near East's Herbed Chicken Couscous, according to directions. Add three chopped fresh pitted apricots, 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves and a smidgen of fresh lemon or lime juice. Gently toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with grilled chicken breasts and, if desired, Honey-Caramelized ‘Cots.