Vegetarian for dinner

We've been trying to branch out around here and try some new things at the dinner table. A few nights a week I try out a new recipe that is usually vegetarian. We are by no means vegetarians. To say my husband LOVES meat would be an understatement (not to mention he can cook a seriously good steak) we have just decided to cut back and have meat with dinner 3-4 nights a week instead of everyday.

{This was from Father's Day this year. He cooked 18 steaks total that day.}

On the menu tonight: 

Lemon Spinach Orzotto

Makes 4 servings

Start to Finish: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 shallots, minced {I didn't have shallots so I just used what onions I had- 1 medium yellow onion}

1 garlic clove, minced 

1½ cups orzo

½ cup white wine {I used cooking sherry instead}

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 

4 cups baby spinach 

1 lemon, zested and juiced 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.

2. Add the orzo and stir to combine with the shallots and garlic. Add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has been mostly absorbed into the pasta, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Add the broth gradually, about 1 cup at a time. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the orzo has absorbed the broth before stirring in the next cup. Continue until the orzo is completely tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

4. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt in the warm orzo. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Note: To reheat leftovers, add a little broth or water and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, pausing to stir once or twice.

Here's the link to where I found the recipe: http://www.purewow.com/recipes/Lemon-and-Spinach-Orzotto

I really enjoyed this dish {they had me at lemon and cheese.} Mr. Carter wasn't big on it but he's not exactly a lover of pasta or rice so...

We've tried a few other things that have been pretty good. However, I have yet to find anything that I love so if you have any favorite vegetarian recipes please share!

A few new things...

We have learned a few new things around here...

WESTON:

Wes has figured out how to put his toes in his mouth today. It's funny to me how when babies do certain things it can be so adorable and yet if an adult were to do something like this it would be so disgusting.

Babies just make everything cute!!!

ABIGAIL:

Within the last week Abi has braved the water. This has been a HUGE step for her! 

For the past two years she has wanted nothing to do with actually being in the water. She has always just sat on the side or in the most shallow part of the water.

For some reason she was just ready. And she is LOVING it!!!! She now asks to go swimming everyday. {I've created a monster.}

Not only has she been super interested in swimming but she has been  really big on doing arts and crafts as of late. She is always coloring and today I gave in and let her paint. The smile on her face will be worth the mess when she is done.