It’s hard to believe how fast the week has gone!  Janelle and George were in town, I went to a fun girls night out at the Villiage Herb Shop, trained, taught, cooked and grew larger!  I would have guessed today was only Tuesday, not Thursday!

If you are already thinking about the graduation party you are hosting, or a Memorial day party – that’s right around the corner, here is a great recipe to try.  

You can make it ahead of time and it tastes better!  It serves a large crowd easily and it’s vegetarian, so a good option and addition to you party menu. 

Roasted Vegetable Orzo

adapted from Food Network.com

serves 4-6 (feel free to double or triple the recipe!)

• 1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
• 1 sweet onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
• 1 lb. mushrooms, washed and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
• 1/4 cup  olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup good olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add:

• 1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
• 3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
• 15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Toss the peppers, onion, mushrooms and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned.
3. While the veggies are cooking, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender.
4. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
5. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the pan into the pasta bowl.
6. To make the dressing, mix  the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, garlic and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables.
7. Let cool to room temperature, then add the pine nuts, feta, and basil. 
8. Check the seasonings and add more salt or pepper if needed, and serve at room temperature. 

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