Orzo with Parmesan and Basil

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.
2. Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.
3. Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.
4. Serve with some fruit and a salad for a light but yummy summer dinner.

Makes 4 servings

Easy Burritos

One of our favorites is a tortilla with a spoonful of black beans, refried beans and cheese melted on top.

You can add onions, tomatoes, lettuce or whatever you like on top.

This one is pretty fast and No meat=cheap.

Cornbread-Topped Chili

Ever tried this one? It's nice to make when your baby doesn't want you to be making dinner. Super fast.

1 can chili

1 box jiffy cornbread muffins

Put a can of chili in a dish, make the muffins like it says on the box, pour on top of the chili, and bake like it says on the box.

I usually put two cans of chili to one box muffins because I like more chili to cornbread ratio.

Frito Bean Casserole

1 bag Frito corn chips
1 can refried beans
1 can chili
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup hamburger
grated cheese

Cook the hamburger, spray the casserole dish, and then layer the casserole. I put Fritos on the bottom, then refried beans, hamburger, salsa, chili, Fritos again, and grated cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 1/2 hour. I made this the other night without the hamburger and we still really liked it.

Taco Soup

1lb ground beef browned and drained
1 can beans undrained (black, kidney, pinto, or other kind)
1 can corn undrained
1 can crushed tomatoes (can be petite diced or whatever other kind you have)
1/3 c. salsa
4-5 t. chili powder
dash of garlic salt and onion salt (I use a little more than a dash-just add to taste)

Simmer 10 mins.
Garnish with grated cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips

I don't use a whole pound of beef. I get beef at Costco and I use one of those patty things their beef comes in. You can also use chicken.