30-Minute Meal -- Simple Veggie Orzo

It's no wonder 30-minute meals are so popular, as busy as we are these days. With a seven-month old, homeschooling, and the two big kids in soccer I stay pretty busy myself. Here's a quick meal that's good for you, too! This is a set of recipes I've entered in a 30-minute meal contest sponsored by Taste of Home. I'll let you know if I hear anything back from them.

Balsamic Bread Dip
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 loaf crusty bakery bread such as focaccia or French baguette

In a small bowl, whisk together the first four ingredients. Serve with bread for dipping. 

Simple Veggie Orzo
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves chopped garlic
1 diced green onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
2 cups fresh spinach chopped
Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Saute the pasta, garlic, and green onion in olive oil for 5 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 8 minutes, then add in your vegetables. Stir briefly, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The broth will absorb into the pasta, and the veggies will have steamed to perfectly crisp-tender. To finish, fold in grated Parmesan cheese.


Banana Parfait 
1 large ripe banana, sliced
2 cups vanilla yogurt
4 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
Cinnamon

Divide banana slices evenly into four ramekins. Top each with 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt. Drizzle each ramekin with 1 tablespoon caramel ice cream topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon.