ORZO WITH FETA AND CHERRY TOMATOES

This is adapted from Gourmet. Its an easy and pretty and popular potluck item and a seasoned summer favorite. pun intended.

1/2 pound (about 1 cup) orzo
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves, chopped
1 pint plus cherry tomatoes (preferably different colors), quartered
1/4 pound good feta, crumbled
1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

Fill a 4-quart pasta pot three fourths full with salted water and bring to a boil for orzo.

In a small heavy skillet heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and sauté pine nuts with salt to taste, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to paper towels to drain and cool.

In a large bowl whisk together garlic, parsley, vinegar, remaining tablespoon oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Add tomatoes and feta and gently toss to combine.

Cook orzo in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. In a large sieve drain orzo and rinse slightly until just warm. Drain orzo well and add to tomato mixture, tossing until just combined. Sprinkle with nuts and serve.