SimplEdibles: CROCK POT SAUSAGE PASTA A LA MODE

RECIPES THAT HAVE A UNIVERSAL APPEAL TO EVERYONE, YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE, RICH AND POOR, SHORT AND TALL, OPTIMIST OR PESSIMIST.

Something for everyone, that's what we are aiming for here and this recipe is no different. If you haven't yet been introduced to Orzo, then now is your chance. Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes from huge big manicotti noodles down to the very smallest which is Orzo. Orzo looks almost like rice because it comes in small grains, but it cooks and tastes just like any other pasta. Since it is so much smaller than other pasta, it is important not to overcook it as it can become mushy very fast. Kids like it because it's easy to eat and adults like it because it tastes good--simple as that. You can get all kinds of creative with Orzo, but I've found it's best to stick close to the basics which is what this recipe is--just a basic pasta with a few veggies and cheese sprinkled on top. Actually, it's the cheese that makes it so delicious, so don't skimp on it. On with the Orzo:

1. Start by cooking a pound of Italian sausage in a large skillet. I like mine mild, but you can choose whichever kind you like.

2. Cook it until it is lightly browned clear through.

3. To this add 1 T. dry onion flakes (chopped onion) and 2 tsp. dry sliced garlic.

4. Now put the sausage into the crock pot that has been sprayed with Pam. To this add 1 can of pasta sauce and 1 can of chopped tomatoes. I like the "No Sugar Added" kind of pasta sauce, which is not always easy to find. Most pasta sauces have some sugar or high-fructose corn syrup which I don't care for in a pasta sauce.

5. To this add 3/4 C. Orzo. As you can see in the picture, it does look like rice but don't be fooled. It cooks up very differently.

6. Now turn the crock pot to low and cook 4-6 hours or until you're ready to eat it.

7. Steam some vegetables until they are crisp-tender. Choose any fresh veggies that you like.

I used 1 crown of fresh broccoli, 1 C. of shredded carrots, 1/2 small onion sliced. Also good added to this would be zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, mushrooms and peppers.

7. Dish up the pasta onto plates. Sprinkle 1/4 C. Mozarella cheese over it and melt in the microwave.