Mongo Mango Couscous

her to the door. He bowed, taking her hand and kissing her fingers. “I'll see you tomorrow evening.”

Her eyes sparkled as she entered the door; he wanted to dance his way back to the carriage, but managed a dignified walk. Once again under the cover, he leaned back and closed his eyes, enjoying the ride home. He had not expected these stirrings deep inside him, he had not expected to fall in love ever again in his whole life. * * *

Grandmother and Grandfather appeared at his home very early in the day; he had expected their appearance and had places set ready for them to join him at breakfast. He decided to keep any information about Ellie from Grandmother just because he knew she would be in an 'I told you so' attitude, and he did not wish to put up with it. Also, it was the only way he knew to make her anticipate Ellie's arrival almost as much as he. Grandmother complained of no decorations until Grandfather insisted the she either go out and get some greenery or for her to sit down and hush. She huffed and sat, he lit his pipe, Ian waited by the window waiting for Ellie's coach to arrive from town. Upon the stroke of twelve, the coach pulled up in front of his home.

She and her sister got out of a coach filled with fragrant greenery. She was all smiles as she turned in the cold air to greet Ian. He called for his footmen to unload the greenery. “I brought green decorations for the main room. I hope you do not mind.”

“You are the answer to Grandmother's prayers. She's been grumbling at me all morning about no decorations.” He cradled her arm inside his on one side and offered a hand to Ellie's sister, Christina. “Welcome, Christina.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent in laughter and friendly conversation as the fragrant greens were placed in the main room and hall. The rosemary filled the rooms with wonderful scents backed by the cedar and pine. The ivy and mistletoe was twined throughout the arrangements. A sprig of mistletoe was tied in a red velvet ribbon and placed above the entrance to the main room. Ellie stood on the chair surveying her handiwork.

“Ahh!” Ian stood close to the chair, ready to catch her if she fell. “It seems you are caught in your own trap,” he softly teased, looking up at her.

She put her hands on her hips and smiled down at him, “How can I be trapped when I so desired you to be right where you are?”

Ian reached up and lifted her off of the chair, held her in the air for a moment while he turned, then lowered her so that she was in his arms.

“Merry Christmas, Ellie,” he spoke softly.

To say that they were lost in each other’s spell was an understatement. Instead of a chaste kiss on the cheek, Ian kissed her mouth and she allowed it. It was Grandfather's throat clearing that startled them apart just as her sister and Grandmother walked into the area. They were both rather stunned. Both were people who had come to consider that they were very controlled and calm. Now they both stood trying to control their breathing and get their heart rate back under control. He placed Ellie's hand on his and walked with her into the sitting room. He chose to stand by the fire place. She chose to stand just in front of him beside the chair where her sister sat. This allowed his hand to rest at her back. Ian noticed the glint in Grandmother's eye. She was up to something and he thought he knew what it was and had been. She had meant for him to pay attention to Ellie. * * *

The lessons and carols at the small church were beautiful. Of all the songs, “The Holy and The Ivy” was always one of his favorites. He read part of the lessons to the congregation. Hearing Ellie's sweet alto and her sister’s soprano combined in harmony of the carols was beautiful. For the first time in many years the service was more than something he attended because it was part of his responsibility.

from Genevieve Poston

Q: I would be interested in knowing the most exotic tea she has ever tried. Did she like it—why or why not? And what is her favorite tea?! (So I can try it for myself!) Hehe, I know, fairly basic, but who better to take recommendations from than an expert!

A: In truth, my ‘expertise’ is limited to afternoon tea, specifically, but I have indeed tried some interesting teas over the years. The most ‘exotic’ in my estimation, was an Indian tea dated 1810 BC ... yep. BC! It basically tasted like an Assam and I did like it. While drinking it, I felt very connected to the space-time continuum somehow.

My favorite tea, which I drink daily around 3pm, is Yorkshire Gold with one lump of sugar and a splash of milk. When I served as a literary ‘model’ for a fictional character a few years back, the protagonist took her tea the same way ... using sugar cubes and all. When I go to tearooms I tend to order whatever is their most popular tea if it’s something I’m unfamiliar with. Lately, I’ve been on a vanilla tea kick. Since I take my tea the British way—with sugar and milk (not cream, mind you, but milk) I tend to favor black teas at teatime. When at Asian restaurants I adore the oolongs and greens served, and consume them sans additives. I nearly had a religious experience once while drinking the oolong at Midastee in SoCal, a tea house owned by a family of Taiwanese tea farmers. The stuff was like liquid gold!

Adapted from a recipe on Mango.org

Preparation Time: 20 minutes / Cooking Time:15 minutes

Ingredients

For Salad • 1/2 Cup crumbled feta cheese • 1 Cup sliced almonds, toasted • 1/2 Cup golden raisins • 1/2 Cup diced red bell pepper • 1/2 Cup sliced green onions • 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced

For dressing • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/8 pinch or dash crushed red pepper flakes • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil • 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar • 1/4 Cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Couscous • 2 Cups water • 1 & 3/4 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 2 rounded teaspoons Mango Amazon (black tea with mango pieces) • Splash of orange juice

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, salt, crushed red pepper and garlic until combined.

Stir in cilantro and cover and refrigerate until ready to use. 2. In a medium saucepan cook couscous for 1 minute in oil over medium-low heat to lightly toast, stirring frequently. 3. Add steeped mango tea and orange juice. Reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly. 4. Transfer couscous to a large bowl and stir in dressing, mango, green onions, bell pepper and raisins; cover and chill for at least 1 hour. 5. Just before serving sprinkle with almonds and feta.

Image from Mango.org