Libya: Fruit Dessert: Halawah bil-Fawaaki

Serves 8.

In North Africa, honey is used much more than in the Middle East. During Ramadan, the enticing sweets are enhanced by being soaked in a honey syrup or having honey as a main ingredient.

2 large plums, diced
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
2 medium peaches, diced
1 cup diced cantaloupe
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup honey, melted
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup couscous
2 tablespoons crushed pistachios

Combine, plums, apple, peaches, cantaloupe, raisins, lemon juice, and honey in a saucepan; then cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Add butter, cinnamon and couscous. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until couscous is done.

Transfer to a serving bowl and allow to cool for 1 hour. sprinkle with pistachios just before serving.