Orzo Goodness: Confetti Orzo Salad

Just trust me that this tasty, light, refreshing salad hits the spot. PERFECT for lunch, Spring, summer or pretty much any ole occassion AND a great way to get in those fresh veggies! It could be great for a whole meal if you put grilled chicken on top.

1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
1 carrot, chopped
1 1/4 cups chopped red, green, or yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumber (I used english cucumber from HT b/c they don't have seeds.)
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (Word to wise...use minimally or omit all together. I love green onions but it's just as good w/out them.)
1/4 cup chopped purple onion (DEFINITELY omit if you don't wanna smell for days!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (didn't use)
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind (didn't use)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (I used 1/2 rice vinegar and 1/2 white cooking wine cuz that's what I had.)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup olive oil

Preparation: Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain.

Combine orzo, carrot, and next 5 ingredients; set aside.

Combine lemon rind, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, coarsely ground pepper, and minced garlic. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over orzo mixture, tossing gently. Cover and keep chilled.

Approximate Cost:
Orzo- $1.39/box
Cucumber- .99
Carrot- .25
Green Pepper- 1.69 ea (on sale right now @ HT for 1.25)!
Lemon Juice- .50
Garlic- .50
Green Onion- .79
Total: $5.61ish (not including olive oil and white wine vinegar) for MUCHO servings~enough to feed a group!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay this is a real yummy soup, especially for the sicky kiddies- or parents:)

1 whole chicken boiled - scim the foam off the top of the water as you boil for clear broth

as many carrots and celery to your liking

salt, pepper, and thyme to your taste also

any fun noodles you wish - stars, ABC's, egg noodles....

(Complements of Colleen Helton)

Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay this is a real yummy soup, especially for the sicky kiddies- or parents:)

1 whole chicken boiled - skim the foam off the top of the water as you boil for clear broth

as many carrots and celery to your liking

salt, pepper, and thyme to your taste also

any fun noodles you wish - stars, ABC's, egg noodles....

Boil chicken till done, remove from pot and de-bone (or use boneless and just shred)
Add veggies and seasoning to still boiling water (keep water level at least to half in your pot)
Let the veggies boil till tender and add chicken meat back in.
Cook noodles in separate pot (store separate too so they don't get mushy)
Dish up and enjoy!

(Complements of Colleen Helton)

Black Beans & Rice

Canned black beans (Some beans are blacker and thicker than others) If your beans seem to have a little extra liquid in them, you can drain them. I usually make 4 cans for my guys and I may leave one of them undrained, because it will kind of boil out and it is nice to have the extra liquid)

Pour them in a sauce pan. Add a jar of salsa. I usually use about 3/4 of a jar of Pace Picante Sauce. (Mild)
However. you could use any kind of salsa. In fact, last time I used a whole jar of Tostidos salsa, because that jar is a little smaller. Just guess. You just want to give those beans a little kick and flavor.

By the way, my secret to flavoring my vegetable soup, which I think is pretty good (a jar of salsa...nothing else.)

Then cook your rice, while those babies are simmering and you are ready to eat.

I like to give them some bread, or biscuits, fruit, or cold veggies....make the whole meal simple.

I serve the beans and rice with:
sour cream
soy sauce...we love soy sauce....I know, I know sodium

(Complements of Chris O'Boyle)