Pistachio Cranberry Orzo Food

PISTACHIO CRANBERRY ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, saute shallot in oil and butter for 1 minute. Add the pistachios; saute for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned. , Stir in the cranberries, cream, broth and wine. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until thickened. Drain orzo; add to cranberry mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

ORZO SALAD WITH FRESH APRICOTS, PISTACHIOS AND GINGER OIL

Steps:

• Bring a medium-size pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add orzo and cook about 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water.
• Place the orzo in a bowl and combine with the fresh apricots, fresh and ground coriander, scallions and almonds. Toss with 4 to 5 tablespoons of the ginger oil, until the pasta is just moist. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice on the salad and mix.

EASY PISTACHIO-CRANBERRY NOUGAT

Steps:

• Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Spray parchment and dust with milk powder. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and cook, stirring, until melted, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in milk powder, then cranberries and pistachios. Transfer to prepared pan, pressing or spreading to evenly fill. Lightly dust top with more milk powder. Let stand until set, at least 2 hours.
• Use overhangs to lift nougat out of pan. Cut as desired (we made strips slightly less than 1/2 inch wide, then cut them in half again to create about 4-by-3/4-by 1/2-inch pieces). Store between layers of parchment or waxed paper at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

CRANBERRY ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package instructions.
• Slice the cuke lengthwise, then slice it.
• Add scallions, chickpeas, cukes, diced peppers and dried cranberries to orzo and toss to mix.
• Season with salt, pepper, vinegar and oil, toss to moisten and thoroughly incorporate ingredients. Taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Can be made up to 3 days ahead to this point. If preparing ahead refrigerate in a suitable container.

CRANBERRY PISTACHIO BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, mix together oil and sugar until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually stir into egg mixture. Mix in cranberries and nuts by hand.
• Divide dough in half. Form two logs (12x2 inches) on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Dough may be sticky; wet hands with cool water to handle dough more easily.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until logs are light brown. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
• Cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 inch thick slices. Lay on sides on parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until dry; cool.

PISTACHIO CRANBERRY ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, saute shallot in oil and butter for 1 minute.
• Add the pistachios; saute for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Stir in the cranberries, cream, broth, and wine.
• Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until thickened.
• Drain orzo; add to cranberry mixture.
• Season with salt and pepper.

PISTACHIO-CRANBERRY TORRONE

Steps:

• Place 1 piece of rice paper in a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Put sugar, honey, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture just begins to simmer and sugar has dissolved, about 6 minutes. Continue to cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• Meanwhile, put egg whites into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Raise speed to high. Pour hot honey mixture into egg-white mixture in a slow, steady stream, and beat until mixture has cooled and thickened and begins to stick to whisk, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low; beat in vanilla, pistachios, coconut, and cranberries.
• Working quickly, spread mixture into prepared dish. Place another sheet of rice paper on top; press down to flatten and spread evenly. Let cool on wire rack at least 3 hours, or overnight.
• Cut around edges of torrone to loosen. Remove from baking sheet; transfer to a cutting board. Trim edges to be straight. Using a long, sharp knife, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices.

WALNUT CRANBERRY ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, saute red pepper and onion in oil until tender. Stir in the broth, cranberries and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes., Drain orzo; toss with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with walnuts and Parmesan cheese.