California Raisin, Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Orzo

An awesome dish to serve with meats or add to an Italian buffet.

Ingredients:

16 ounces orzo
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 red onions, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
6 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup mascarpone
1 package (10-ounce) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups California golden raisins
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

Preparation:

Cook orzo in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, heat butter and oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, vinegar and honey. Sauté 8 to 10 minutes. Then, stir in cooked and drained orzo, blue cheese, mascarpone, spinach, raisins and nutmeg. Heat briefly to warm cheeses. Spoon onto large serving platter. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve, immediately.

Recipe from: Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, MO; Honorable Mention – Soup/Salad/Side Dishes Category; Coast-to-Coast Recipe Contest