Orzo Salad With Cranberries & Pecans

8 ounces orzo pasta (1/2 box) 3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries 2 medium carrots , fine dice 1 small cucumber , peeled, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon extra[...]

1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 cup yellow red onion (if desired, use red onion if you choose to prepare this as a salad) 1 1/2 cups diced[...]