I’m not at all hip. But we do keep kosher. And my mom bought me a great little cookbook called Hip Kosher, which took me a little while to warm up to. But now, I’m sold. Lots of easy recipes that give the illusion of being fussy. Here’s what we had for dinner last week. On a weeknight.
Stir-Fried Couscous with Chicken, Dried Apricots and Pistachios
1 3/4 c Israeli couscous/ 4 T olive oil/ 20 oz boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-size chunks/ 4 thick scallions, chopped/ 1 c chopped dried apricots/ 1 tsp cumin/ 1 tsp cinnamon/ 1 c shelled pistachios/salt and pepper to taste

Make the couscous according to the package directions. Set aside. Heat 2 T olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 4 minutes, or until the meat is white and cooked thought. Dish out and set aside. Place the remaining 2 T of olive oil in the pan. Add the scallions and cooke for 1-2 minutes or until softened. Add the apricots, cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring constantly, for another minute. Add the couscous and chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to distribute the ingredients well. Stir in the pistachio nuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat hot or let cool to lukewarm. Makes 4 servings.
From the book Hip Kosher by Ronnie Fein.  Excerpted by arrangement with Da Capo Lifelong (www.dacapopress.com), a member of the Perseus Books Group.  Copyright © 2008.