Broccoli Orzo

 Adapted from a recipe I saw on Amanda Cooks & Styles

1/2 lb orzo

Chopped broccoli ( I just used some I had in the fridge - about 1/2 cup and I chopped it pretty fine. Use whatever you have) 

1/2 c diced onion 

3 cloves minced garlic

1/3 cup grated Italian cheese blend

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

 Cook orzo according to package for al dente. Drain and set aside. 

Heat a large skillet to medium and add butter and oil.  Sauté broccoli, onion, and garlic until tender.

Add cooked orzo, salt and pepper.  Stir to mix well.  

Sprinkle cheese over and mix.  

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

 Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

(Original recipe found at Salt and Lavender)

16 oz Italian sausage 

1/2 onion chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

4 tsp better than bouillon roasted chicken stirred into 6 cups of water

1 yellow bell pepper chopped 

2 stalks celery chopped 

4 medium sweet potatoes ( I used leftover baked sweet potatoes without the peel)

Salt and pepper to taste 

Ditalini pasta, uncooked, about 1/2 pound

Brown sausage.  Add onion and garlic.  Drain fat. 

Stir in bouillon water mixture, bell pepper, celery, and pasta. If using raw sweet potatoes you can add now.  

Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.   Cook 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. 

If using cooked sweet potatoes, add now and cook a few more minutes to heat through.  

Season with salt and pepper.