Orzo Pilaf

Melissa's Notes: Side dishes are hard for me, I always revert back to a simple garden salad and rice when I'm at a loss. Which is tasty, but sometimes can be a little boring. Here is a side dish that is a little off the beaten path, though a little more labor intensive than rice-a-roni. It can be eaten hot or cold, I tried both and liked it either way. It would also be easy to substitute your favorite veggies in it.

recipe courtesy of Favorites

Orzo Pilaf

3 c. chicken broth
1 c. orzo
4 slices bacon
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c. grated carrots
1/4 c. finely chopped green pepper
1/4 c. finely chopped red pepper

Bring chicken broth to a boil and add pasta. Boil for 10 minutes (you may need to stir it a little near the end of the 10 min.). Cook bacon and crisp and crumble; set aside. Drain all but 3 Tbsp. of bacon drippings from skillet and cook onion and garlic until tender. Add orzo, carrots and peppers. Heat through, tossing to coat and sprinkle with bacon.