July 28, 2011

Cheesy Parmesan Orzo

We all know about my love affair with cheese.

I'm a sprinkle cheese on top of everything girl. My favorite snack as a kid was cheese balls. I'd pop them in my mouth and suck the horrible imitation cheese powder right off of 'em. The ones in the blue can that I haven't seen since 1997. I also loved Cheetos and their commercials with the dancing orange cat. Whatever happened to those... And of course, you can't forget about the infamous blue box of Kraft Mac and Cheese.

Bejesus, what my parents fed me.

Now, as a sophisticated adult, my snack of choice is cheese and crackers. Sophisticated cheeses and crackers. Feta. Goat cheese drizzled with honey. Gorgonzola. Multigrain crackers. Whole wheat crackers. Buttery garlic crackers. I have cheese every time I have grapes. Cheese is always on top of a salad. Cheese finds it's way into quinoa, rice, and pasta.

There's no question that this orzo and I were meant to be. 


It's not rice, as the hubby insists. It's pasta that looks like rice. If you've got a rice lover in the family who isn't so keen on pasta (how is that possible?) this should do the trick. Eat it while it's still piping hot- ooey, gooey, and buttery...


Cheese lovers unite!

Source: Stephanie Cooks

1 cup orzo
1 tbsp. butter
1 14 oz. can chicken broth, garlic and herb broth preferred (I used plain and added garlic powder)
1/2-1 tsp garlic powder, depending on taste (not needed if using the garlic and herb broth, only for plain broth)
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
1/2-1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

In a small saucepan combine the orzo and butter. Melt the butter and stir regularly, lightly toasting the orzo. Pour in the can of broth (add the garlic powder if needed). Heat over low heat, stirring regularly, until all is absorbed. Make sure to keep the heat low or it will absorb too quickly and not be cooked (I had this problem the first time). Stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle parsley over top if desired (it's pretty).

Are you a cheese lover or hater? How do you incorporate cheese into your life?

11 comments:

  1. This looks ABSOLUTELY DIVINE! Thanks for sharing on It's a Keeper Thursday! I "stumbled it" so that I can remember to make it sometime soon!

    I can't wait to see what you link up next week!

    Cheers!
    Christina @ It's a Keeper
    Follow me on Facebook and Twitter

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  2. This looks like rice to me from any point of view. But it does look delicious.

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  3. Sounds Fantastic!! I am a cheese Lover! This is right up my Alley!
    Thanks for posting
    Laurie @ Food is Love

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  4. Cheese is my favorite! Your orzo looks good and i love goat cheese and honey too. :)

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  5. Hi Christina,
    Thanks for sharing what you're reading on my blog! Let me know what you think of "Sarah's Key". I read and reviewed it a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. :)

    I'm also a fan of orzo and your recipe sounds a lot like one that our family enjoys. How can anyone not enjoy pasta and fresh Parm?!?! :)

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  6. I love orzo but never thought of using it like a mac and cheese. What a great idea! Sounds wonderful!

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  7. Thank you for joining me last week for Cast Party Wednesday. I hope you come back tomorrow and share more of your recipes with us.
    Thanks,
    I hope to see you there!

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  8. Oh my gosh - I love orzo. I have never put cheese in mine before, but what a great idea. I will try that next time!

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  9. Another cheese lover here. This looks yummy.

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  10. This looks soooooo delicious! I am definitely a "double the cheese" kinda girl :0

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Thanks for stopping by!

 
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