Chocolate and Coconut Orzo Pudding

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             FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Rosemary Zwick for this oldie but goodie:

Mary calls Tom and says, "Please come over and help me, I have a jigsaw
puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get it started."

Tom asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

Mary replies, "According to the picture on the box, it's a tiger."

Tom decides to go over and help with the puzzle. Mary lets him in and
shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. Tom
studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to
Mary and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to
be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger."

He takes her hand and says, "Second, I want you to relax. Let's have a
nice cup of tea, and then," he sighed, "let's put all these Frosted
Flakes back in the box."

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             TODAY'S RECIPE
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Although any small pasta shape can be used in this dish, using
rice-shaped orzo gives it the warm familiarity of rice pudding.

Chocolate and Coconut Orzo Pudding

4 cups (1 L) milk
1/2 cup (125 ml) orzo
1 cup (250 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) flaked coconut
1/2 tsp (2 ml) vanilla extract
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Bring the milk almost to a boil in a pot over moderate heat. Stir in the
orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender, about 20
minutes - do not boil. Add the chocolate and brown sugar, stirring until
dissolved. Add the coconut and vanilla, stirring to mix. Serve chilled
or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Thu Apr 3 19:52:57 2008