Family Recipe Friday: Orzo with Bacon & Asparagus

Another contribution from mom's kitchen:

Asparagus---Another Spring time treasure

 
We have grown asparagus for several years.   It involves digging a bed and putting in sand,etc.  However, our second bed we did not dig a deep bed and it is doing fine. I do recommend mulching as weeds will take over.   I also recommend you read up on planting in your area.   It is recommend that you not cut until the second year.  Cut the spears with the bud tips are tight.  Store standing up in the refrigerator  in about 1 inch water until ready for use.   I can pick asparagus May-June.    If we have have an abundance, I can it for the winter.   We usually like to eat it grilled with a olive oil and sprinkled with salt and lemon pepper sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Of course I'm always trying new ways to fix asparagus and I have included  this one that I'm sure I will make again.

Orzo with Bacon and Asparagus

Makes 3 servings

This skillet dinner has it all--orzo, bacon, and asparagus blended in a quick meal that's ready in 35 minutes.  A tasty dish I discovered when looking for something different that uses asparagus.  It can be served with another meal such as grilled chicken breast.

    6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces                       
    1 14 1/2-ounce can fat-free chicken broth  with 1/3 less sodium
    1 cup (6 1/2 oz) orzo pasta or rosamarina, uncooked            
    8 ounces fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces
    1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers (from a jar) or I used fresh
    2 ounces (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese or Asiago   
               
Cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp.   Reserve bacon and 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.   Add broth; bring to a boil.   Add orzo.   Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 5 minutes.   Add asparagus and peppers; cover and cook an additional 5-10 minutes or until orzo and asparagus are tender, stirring occasionally.   Sprinkle individual servings with cheese.


Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.