Hi Friends! I hope that you are enjoying this cloudy Connecticut Tuesday!!!

This is my own creation of Rice Pilaf. It is very popular at my house and I make it a couple of times a month.

Here it goes:

6 Cups Water or Chicken Broth

3 cups long grain white rice ( I use Uncle Ben's)

1 cup Orzo

1 packet Goya Sazon

1 tbs Salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tbs. garlic powder

1 tbs. granulated onion

2 tbs. chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil

In a 3 qt or larger pot, place olive oil and orzo over medium high heat. Stir for about 3 minutes until orzo has lightly browned.

VERY CAREFULLY....slowly add water or broth. The oil will be hot, so you must add it slowly so that it won't splatter on you.

Add the rest of the ingredients except for the rice. Stir and bring to a boil.

When liquid is boiling add rice and stir. Lower heat to medium low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat. Let it sit covered for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.

This recipe serves 4 very generously and you will have leftovers for lunch!

Serve as a side with chicken, steak, ham, fish....whatever your little heart desires!

This pictures shows it served with my Ham Cubes. Recipe coming next!!

Enjoy! And as always, your questions and comments are always welcomed!