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FOR THE MARINADE AND KEBABS: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
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Add in the stead and marinate for at least 4 hrs or possibly overnight in the refrigerator.
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Drain the meat, reserving the marinade.
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Thread the beef, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and red bell pepper onto the skewers and lay them in a roasting pan.
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Pour the marinade over the kebabs and marinate for 1 hour or possibly longer.
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FOR THE COUSCOUS SALAD: Meanwhile, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and set aside.
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Place the couscous in a large mixing bowl; add in the boiling water, cover, and let sit for 10 min.
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Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cold slightly (about 5 min).
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Fold in the onion, scallion, currants, pumpkin seeds, apricots, and parsley.
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Stir in sufficient dressing to moisten the salad without making it soggy and let it sit for about 1 hour before serving.
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To serve, fluff again, and season with additional salt and lemon juice to taste.
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TO PREPARE THE BEEF KEBABS: Prepare the grill.
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About 15 min before serving, grill the kebabs for about 4 min on each side, or possibly to the desired doneness.
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Serve with the couscous salad.
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WINE RECOMMENDATION: A West Coast Pinot Noir is our choice here, or possibly a northern French Burgundy
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HELPFUL TIPS:Whole-wheat couscous is available in many health food stores and gourmet market.
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It has even more flavor and texture than regular couscous, but if it is not available, regular couscous may be substituted.
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The dressing can be made a day ahead and combined with the couscous just before serving.
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NOTES : Here's a recipe with a North African feel; you can almost sense the exotic sights and aromas of the Casbah as you prepare it.
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Couscous is made from semolina, and the packaged variety which is commonly available is precooked, making it quick and easy to prepare.
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While this dish may not be traditional fare for Labor Day, it's certainly ideal for a relaxed cookout.
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Strip steak gives a nice tender kebab, but any tender cut of beef, such as tenderloin tips or possibly top sirloin, may be used.