Checkerboardorzosalad Recipes

Steps:

• Slice the top of both cakes to create a flat surface.
• Cut both cakes in half widthwise to create four cakes.
• Place a small plate on top of the cake and cut around to create a smaller circle.
• Place a glass in the middle of the cake and cut around to create an even smaller circle.
• Assemble the first layer by placing the outside chocolate ring on a plate or cake stand. Insert the next yellow cake ring and then the inner chocolate cake ring.
• Frost the cake with a thin layer of frosting in between each layer.
• Continue forming layers alternating the colors on the outside.
• After the fourth layer frost the entire cake and cool in the refrigerator.
• Slice and serve.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread the squash into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the squash is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• While the squash is cooking, cook the orzo in the boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, honey, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Toss in the orzo, squash, cranberries, almonds, dill and scallions until everything is coated. Serve in a large bowl, or transfer to 8-ounce mason jars with lids for easy traveling. Serve at room temperature.

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high heat.
• Toss the scallions in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the scallions until the bulbs are tender and the greens are well-charred, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. (Alternately, you can char the scallions in a cast-iron pan on the stove.) Chop the white and light green parts finely, then discard the remaining ends of the scallions.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the orzo. Drop in the orzo and begin to cook. Meanwhile, add the chopped scallions to a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, remaining 1/3 cup olive oil and half of the olives and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and rinse to cool. Immediately toss in some of the vinaigrette, along with the cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, red onion and remaining olives. Mix well. Add more dressing to taste. Top with the goat cheese and serve.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
• While pasta is cooking, place peas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, artichokes, and tomato into a large bowl and toss.
• Drain cooked orzo, but do not rinse or cool. Toss hot pasta with the veggies in the bowl and mix in vinegar, seasoning mix, and oil.
• Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight. Serve.

Steps:

• Cut the tomatoes into 1/3" cubes; place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme leaves; set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Boil orzo in salted water until tender; drain and return to the pot off the heat; stir until moisture is evaporated; add goat cheese and stir until melted.
• Add half of the tomatoes and all the juices; toss gently to combine and season with salt to taste; pour salad onto serving platter and top with remaining tomatoes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.