Fennel Orzo with Shrimp

I've been meaning to post recipes over the last couple of months, but I've been quite busy--managing a business, moving apartments, going to my brother's wedding and such. I've been nearly too busy to cook, but still I find a way. Somehow. It's good stress relief to do something you enjoy---which for me is definitely the cooking, but especially the eating!

Mark and I made this awhile ago. I really wanted to make something with orzo, and I was interested in cooking with fennel---two ingredients I've never used. I cobbled some recipes from Gourmet together and came up with this tasty dish! Super easy and satisfying comfort food.

Fennel Orzo

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large fennel bulb, chopped
  
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 2 tablespoons fennel fronds
  

1. Sautee onion and fennel bulb in olive oil with fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Cook 8-10 minutes, until onions and fennel have softened.
2. Meanwhile, boil orzo to package directions, making sure to keep it al dente.
   
3. Stir cooked orzo into fennel mixture. Let stand, covered, for a few minutes off the heat. Sprinkle with fennel fronds and top with shrimp (or whatever else you fancy).

Serve with Parmesan toasts and roasted garlic!