Martha_Stewart_Living_-_February_2016_USA__

BOX BOX RECTANGLE 5-PIECE SET, BY HAY,

MOMASTORE.ORG;

TRANSPORT TOTE,

MADEWELL.COM;

WHITE PITCHER,

CB2.COM

HOME

Block It Out

When it comes to home design, the entryway often

gets short shrift, yet it’s the first thing you see when you

come home. Why not make it more welcoming—and

functional? Simply paint a landing-strip shelf a shade you

love, then mount it to the wall. With a level and a pencil,

draw a line above (30 inches works well) and parallel to the

shelf. Next, draw vertical lines up from each shelf end

to form a rectangle. Fill it in with the same-color paint.

FOOD

Healthy Sampler

This gift box bearing treats has all the

delights of a Valentine’s Day package.

But its nutrient-rich contents are a

treat for the heart as much as for the

taste buds. Put a box together by ar-

ranging cupcake liners inside and fill-

ing them with dark chocolate, dried

or dehydrated red-colored fruit

(strawberries, cranberries, red plums,

and goji berries), and low-sodium

vegetable chips (beet and red potato).

COUSCOUS CRUNCH BAR

Active Time: 10 min.

Total Time: 40 min.

Makes: 4 to 36, depending on

cookie-cutter size

6 tablespoons Israeli (pearl)

couscous

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

8 ounces melted bittersweet

chocolate (61 percent cacao)

Vegetable-oil cooking spray

1. In a skillet over medium-high,
   toast couscous in butter, stirring
   constantly, until golden, 2 minutes.
   Transfer to a paper towel–lined
   plate. Sprinkle with salt; let cool.


2. Stir couscous into melted choc-
   olate. Lightly coat 1½-to-4½-inch
   heart-shaped cookie cutters with
   cooking spray.


3. Place cutters on a baking sheet
   lined with parchment. Fill with
   chocolate. Refrigerate until set, at
   least 30 minutes. Gently press
   chocolates out of cutters. Enjoy
   immediately, or store in refrigera-
   tor, covered, up to 3 days.

FOOD

Pack a Crunch

When toasted and mixed

into melted chocolate,

couscous creates a sur-

prising, satisfying candy.

29

GOOD T HINGS

February