Sweet Pepper Pilaf

I am so glad that Sherrie introduced me to her super easy Better Than Rice-A-Roni Rice Pilaf recipe.  My family (including myself) loves the original recipe, but I love to see how I can change it up.  The first few times I made Sherrie's recipe I had to look at the blog, but now I make it from memory because it is so easy.    Trust me you will never make rice from a packet again!  Cooking the rice in the chicken broth gives it so much flavor.

  Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 1 Cup of Minute Rice
• 1/2 Cup Sweet Red Pepper (diced)
• 1/4 Cup Onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• Olive Oil

Drizzle Olive Oil in the bottom of saucepan and heat.  Add in onion and saute for about a minute.  Next, stir in Orzo.  Stir occasionally while toasting the orzo for about 2 minutes then stir in peppers.

Add in the rice and continue heating another two minutes.  Then pour in chicken broth.

Cover, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low.  Keep covered and cook until liquid is absorbed-about 15 minutes.  Fluff rice with a fork and salt and pepper to taste.  

I served this with Bang Bang Chicken, but it is a very versatile side dish and can go with almost anything.  

Some of my other variations include Parmesan Pilaf and Cumin Rice.

This recipe was featured on the Magical Moms' July Menu.  Be sure to check out all of our monthly menus


Lots of AMAZING recipes on the Magical Moms' June Menu, Marvelous May Menu, Appetizing April Menu, and March Madness Menu.

Parmesan Pilaf

I have made Sherrie's Better than Rice-A-Roni (and healthier) Rice Pilaf many times.  I had no idea I could make a rice dish so yummy with so few ingredients.  I have been experimenting lately with her recipe to come up with a few variations.  So far this one is our favorite.  It adds just a few more ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 1 Cup Long Grain Brown Rice 
• 1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic (smashed)
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 1 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Cups of Chicken Broth
• 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
• 1/8 teaspoon of Salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon of White Pepper

Serves about 5

Heat oil in sauce pan.  Add onion and garlic- lightly saute.

 Add in orzo and rice.  Cook over medium heat until mixture is golden brown.  Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.  Remove from heat add salt, pepper, and cheese.  

I served with Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken and Cheddar Broccoli Bites.

This recipe was featured on our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu, Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on this month's menu!

This recipe was featured on the Magical Moms' July Menu.  Be sure to check out all of our monthly menus


Lots of AMAZING recipes on the Magical Moms' June Menu, Marvelous May Menu, Appetizing April Menu, and March Madness Menu.

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!