A Working Mom's Meal Plan

The hardest part of my day is when we get home and everyone is immediately hungry. I love to cook and prefer
home-cooked meals, but I don't like to cook much during the work week. And yet, dinner has to get on the table...
My solution: make-ahead meals, freeze-ahead meals and recipes so easy that I'll make them on a Monday. I cook
mostly on the weekends, always doubling recipes, and rely heavily on my extra freezer and a decently-stocked pantry.
This cooking style saves me time and money, and it makes my life simpler—so I can actually enjoy sitting down
to supper at 6 with my family. I hope these recipes will make the witching hour a little better at your house too.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Summer Orzo Salad

A go-with-everything pasta salad that's simple to make and always a hit. It's sort of like the taste of summer, captured in a bowl. (from my friend Nicole)

1 to 2 lbs orzo pasta
good olive oil
fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
grape tomatoes, halved
toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
chopped basil
small fresh mozzarella balls, halved or quartered

Cook orzo until just al dente, then rinse with cool water. Toss with olive oil and a little lemon juice or vinegar to taste, then season well with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes, nuts, basil and mozzarella cheese and stir until combined.

*Can also mix in black olives, or serve on the side to make picky eaters happy. Those little mozzarella pearls work especially well here, if you can find them (no chopping required).

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