Cranberry Pecan Orzo Recipes

ORZO WITH CELERY, CRANBERRIES AND PECANS

Steps:

• STUFFING: Melt butter with olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced onion, cooking 4 minutes or until onions are translucent and golden brown.
• Add celery; cook 4 minutes longer.
• In a large bowl, combine the drained orzo, cooked celery and onion, cranberries, nuts, basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss gently.
• At this point, if desired, the orzo is now ready to be stuffed.
• Variations:.
• As a SIDE DISH: Heat up the olive oil and butter in a saute pan on medium heat. Saute the celery, onion and UNCOOKED orzo pasta until lightly browned.
• Add 3 cups water or broth and bring to boil. Cover pan, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cranberries, pecans, fresh basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• To make it as a SALAD: boil orzo and cook until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water. Drain again. Transfer orzo to a salad bowl. Add the diced onion, minced celery and shredded basil to the pasta. In a small non-reactive bowl, whisk together about 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice (play around with the proportion and amount of oil and lemon juice as desired), salt and pepper. Stir the vinaigrette into the orzo. FYI: the butter is omitted.

FETA & CRANBERRY ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add orzo and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until orzo is tender; drain. , In a large bowl, combine the orzo, feta, cranberries and onions. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, salt and pepper. Pour over orzo mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

CRANBERRY-PECAN ORZO

Steps:

• Zest oranges, placing zest in a large bowl. Juice oranges, and soak cranberries in the juice in a small bowl. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. While pasta is cooking, chop scallions and place in bowl with orange zest. Add the pecans, drained orzo, cranberries and orange juice, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil until pasta looks moist. Serve immediately, or chill for later. Can be made a day ahead.

ORZO SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES & PECANS

Steps:

• In a small pan, bring water to boil.
• Stir in orzo and cook until just tender, then drain.
• Combine the warm orzo, cranberries, carrots and cucumber in a medium bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, oil, mustard and honey (and optional thyme if using).
• Pour over orzo mixture and stir to coat.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Stir in scallions and pecans just before serving.
• Garnish with basil or extra cucumber slices.

CHEWY CRANBERRY PECAN BARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 2 tablespoons sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in 1/3 cup pecans. Press into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until set., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the egg, egg whites, milk, orange zest, vanilla and remaining flour and sugar. Fold in the cranberries, coconut and remaining pecans. Spread over warm crust. Bake 25-30 minutes longer or until top is golden. Cool on a wire rack.