Lavender Pearl Couscous with Figs

Description
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Ingredients

 * 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
 * 2 Tbs. brown sugar
 * 4 fresh figs, stems trimmed and quartered
 * 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
 * 1 medium-sized onion, minced
 * 1 tsp. dried lavender flowers
 * 1 cup toasted pearl couscous
 * 1 1/2 cups boiling water
 * Salt to taste
 * 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
 * 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme plus a sprig for garnish
 * Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
1. Put the sherry vinegar and brown sugar into a saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the figs, reduce the heat to low and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.

2. Warm the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and lavender, and cook until the onion is tender, for about 8 minutes, stirring often.

3. Stir in the couscous until it is well coated with butter. Add the water and salt, and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to very low and cover. Cook for 12 minutes. Stir in the parsley, thyme, figs and pepper. Add more salt if necessary, garnish and serve.