I chop up an onion and a couple cloves of garlic, and saute it (breaking it down as you would hamburger for chili). Then I make up a batch of rice, couscous, or orzo (couscous is my favorite), cooking/steaming it in chicken broth. Mix together with a quarter cup or so of dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates, something like that), and a quarter cup of pistachios, pine nuts, or almonds. If you have some fresh parsley or other herbs, toss some of that in as well. This is one of the first dishes my husband cooked for me. Most often I use Middle East couscous because it is readily available, but travelling a lot, I've used many products. A touch of Cavender's Greek seasoning gives it some zip, or some chili flakes if you like some heat. A good side dish is sliced cucumbers tossed with yogurt and mint, lemon balm, or parsley. If you're feeling dangerous, serve some arak or similiar liquor, but to be safe make some very sweet mint tea.