Parmesan Garlic Orzo

I love easy side dishes and this one makes the top of my list!  It is not just easy, it is quick too.  This can be made in about 15 minutes and it is sure to please your whole family!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cups Orzo
• 3 Tablespoons of Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
• 1/3 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Chicken Bouillon Cube (this is optional, but it gives it a little more flavor

serves 4-6

Bring 3 cups of water and chicken bouillon cube to a boil.  Cook orzo 8-9 minutes (or according to package).  Drain orzo.  Add butter and garlic to pot.  Stir constantly while the butter melts.  Return the orzo to the pot and mix with the butter.  Add Parmesan cheese, stir, and salt and pepper to taste.  

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Honey I ate the Pork

Pork tenderloin is my all time favorite meat to cook. You can do just about anything with it. This recipe is simple and includes some other of my favorites- honey and butter! I like to serve with rice pilaf (see previous post with recipe for Better than Rice-a-Roni Rice Pilaf) and a salad.

Ingredients:

• - 1 lb. pork tenderloin
• -Cajun seasoning
• - 1/2 stick butter
• -2 tbsp. Honey

Directions:

1. Rub pork with Cajun seasoning at least 30 min before cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Melt butter in large, ovenproof pan. Add honey and heat over medium heat.
3. Brown pork in the honey/butter mixture for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Put ovenproof pan with the pork in the oven and cook for 20-30 minutes until pork is done.

It is so tender and juicy and just delicious. Yum!

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness.  Check out the entire menu and try out some of our other YUMMY recipes!

Better than Rice-a-Roni (and healthier) Rice Pilaf

I try to incorporate whole grains as much as possible in our house, and that means whole wheat pasta and brown rice. But I love the boxed rice flavors. So I experimented and came up with a great alternative to the preservative loaded box stuff. It's only half whole grain because I couldn't find whole wheat orzo, but it is made with brown rice instead of white, so it's a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Heat oil in pan and add rice, orzo and onion.
2. Cook on medium heat until mixture is golden brown.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until tender.

Easy peaty and much better for you (especially if you have a  corn or yeast allergy- you can't use the boxed stuff).

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness and our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu. Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on these menus!