Week 18: Bacon, Orzo and Peas!

Last week started off with a vengeance and let me tell you, it didn't let up.  What started with the start of a sinus infection, turned out to be a nagging sore throat the entire week.  Not enough to take a sick day over, but I kept thinking that if I didn't take the time to rest, it would turn into something bigger.  I should have listened to that little voice.

Here I am at home, sick.  Very sore throat, painful cough, congestion, sinus pressure.  The works.  I know it's at least a sinus infection, but I'm also worried it's something like strep since my throat is in a great deal of pain.

Bad things come in three's, right?  If so, we're set for a while.

1.  New set of tires last week.

2.  New ignitor for the oven.

3.  Being sick.

Aside from that, last week was jam packed with some fun activities too!  The weather was amazing.  I walked to downtown and back with my sister-in-law Wednesday night with the dogs.  It felt great to be outside, doing something physical.  Thursday, my mom came over for dinner since she was working out in Livonia and my dad was out of town.  We made grilled chicken, bacon, orzo, and peas, watermelon, and a baked loaf of bread.  Yum!  It was such a great summer meal and made me look forward to all the yummy tastes and smells of summer.

The bacon, orzo, and pea salad was amazingly simple.  I don't know why I don't come up with these combination of things.  I mean, who doesn't love those 3 ingredients coupled with shredded Parmesan cheese!?  Not only was it delicious, it was really easy to throw together and everyone enjoyed it.  Including Sean.  I've been really struggling with side dishes the past few months.  So, this is definitely one I'm going to add to the mix.

• 1/3 cup orzo (I used half a box)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Olive oil
• 2 strips of bacon, chopped
• A pinch of fresh mint leaves
• A generous grating of pecorino (I used Parmesan)

Cook the orzo in salted boiling water as per package directions. About 5-7 minutes before the orzo is done, chuck the peas into the pot. When orzo is done and peas are soft drain in a colander.  While the orzo and peas are cooking, heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add a scant amount of olive oil to the hot pan, swirl, and lay your bacon in. Cook bacon until almost crisp. Drain excess oil from pan (save those bacon drippings!) but leave some (about a teaspoon full…maybe a bit more, I won’t tell) in the pan.  Add the orzo and peas to the hot pan with the bacon. Toss a few time and transfer to a bowl. Add the mint leaves to the warm orzo/peas/bacon and toss again. Top with a generous grating of pecorino. Enjoy!

Friday, was a very busy day.  I had a half day at work with the high school students where I taught them a condensed version of Cinco de Mayo.  I had a colleague follow me to Belle Tire to drop my car off for new tires and I took her to lunch at Las Palapas quickly.  We had to be back in time for the 8th graders coming over to the high school to run the 8th grade orientation and tour.  After an exhilarating afternoon, I rushed home to get ready to chaperone Prom at the Ford Convention Center in Dearborn.  Oh my gosh...it's clear I don't get out often.  I was like an animal let out of a cage.  An evening with colleagues, no kids, dressed up, a fancy meal, and dancing!  Look out!  My feet are still sore because I rarely left the dance floor.  My students weren't even surprised to see me tearing up the dance floor...it's in my personality.

Saturday brought back our summer tradition of muffins, market, and library!  The farmer's market is back open!  And it was such a gorgeous morning.  I wore Evan in the Ergo and Sean walked around looking at all the booths, stealing popcorn samples from the Kettle Corn cart.  We played at the fountain and ate muffins for breakfast.  It was perfect.  Evan fell asleep on the way home, so we let him sleep in the car with the windows open while we played outside in the front yard.

Scott and I finished off the day with a bonfire in the backyard.  I can't wait until he starts working on the built in firepit for the yard.  We have so many ideas for what we want to do with a deck, walkway, fire pit, etc.  Just show me the money!  Lol...

Sunday was Cinco de Mayo!  One of my favorite holidays to celebrate!  Despite not being able to taste or smell anything due to my congestion, I still put on a full spread for my family and my mom.  We blew up the bounce house for Sean and his neighborhood friends and made an afternoon out of it!  Ole!

My food turned out great...or so everyone told me.  The sombrero cookies were a piece of cake to make and were delicious!

Well, I can't complain too much that I'm home resting today.  We got the oven repaired, I took a nap, I'm about to treat myself to a fast food lunch (a rare occurrence), and I have a doctor's appointment at 2:30pm.  Here's hoping it's just a sinus infection and I can get back on track tomorrow with work and the week...