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?