Little Towers of Pasta

Makes 4 serving(s)

WHAT'S IN IT?

1 (5.8 ounce) box roasted garlic and olive oil flavor couscous mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup canned, drained, diced tomatoes*
2 fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish (if you like!)

STUFF YOU NEED

Large (2-quart) microwave-safe bowl or glass casserole
Liquid measuring cup
Large spoon
Microwave-safe plastic wrap
Can opener
Dry measuring cups
Potholders
Dinner fork
4 salad plates
4 salad forks

HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER

1. Into a large microwave-safe bowl or glass casserole, pour 1 1/4 cups water from a liquid measuring cup.
   
2. On top the water, sprinkle the contents of the spice packet found in the couscous box.
   
3. Make waves in the water-spice "pool" with a large spoon until all mixed up.
   
4. Loosely cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, turning back one corner of the wrap to let out the extra steam.
   
5. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until boiling.
   
6. While the water-spice "pool" is in the microwave, open the canned tomatoes with a can opener. Drain the liquid from the tomatoes. You won't need the liquid for this recipe. Using a dry measuring cup, measure out the diced, drained tomatoes. Set aside.
   
7. When ready, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave with potholders. Watch out for steam!
   
8. Carefully add the couscous from the box and the diced tomatoes from the measuring cup into the hot liquid. Stir.
   
9. Cover the bowl completely with the wrap and let sit on the kitchen counter for 5 minutes.
   
10. After the 5 minutes are up, remove the wrap and fluff the couscous with a dinner fork.
    
11. To serve, smash couscous into a 1/2-cup measuring cup. (You should be able to do this 4 separate times!) Each time you fill up the measuring cup, flip over the packed cup onto a salad plate and tap out the couscous. Each should be formed into a mold—a Little Tower of Pasta!
    
12. For added fun, stand a piece of fresh basil or parsley on top of each "tower"--like a flag!

WHY IT'S GOOD FOR YOU

Per serving:
150 Calories, 1 g Total Fat, 0 g Saturated Fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 390 mg Sodium,
32 g Total Carbohydrates, 2 g Dietary Fiber, 2 g Sugars, 6 g Protein, 2% Vitamin A, 4% Vitamin C, 2% Calcium, 4% Iron

These little bits of couscous will help power you through the day.
Fueling Up for Healthy Muscles