MENU PLAN -- April 25th (Pulling it together)

It has been a long week for me: Pregnancy has really taken its toll on my body. I just don't have the energy or maneuver ability to do much these days. It gets frustrating, because the scent of "cleanliness" permeates my mind and senses -- I really want to clean, organize, and get things prepared for "the day" -- but, my body just won't allow it.

Well, the last few days have I been hit with the bug: "I just don't feel well and up to doing ANYTHING"! I just muster enough energy to maybe put a load of dishes on or a load of laundry -- maybe wipe the counters -- but, usually my main stay is in the bath tub soaking away the achies.

I suppose this ranting is going nowhere bound, especially since this is suppose to be a post about what we are eating this week? But, I guess with all the jibber jabber that I have not so eloquently just said, I am merely stating the fact, that I REALLY didn't want to meal plan this week.

Nothing sounds yummy or interesting except ice and maybe chocolate cookies! But, I don't think that would go over well with my family to eat this week. So, I mustered in the strength and went through some of my meal plan archives to be "inspired" per say. I looked in my pantry to see what we already had and finally came to some sort of "PLAN" for this week.

What do you do when you don't feel like cooking or meal planning?

Here is THE PLAN....

SUNDAY:
Leftover: Black Eyed Peas -- throwin' em in with some brown rice and a little tabasco-- Hoppin' John???

MONDAY:

• Angel Hair w/ Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
• Baby Greens w/ beets
• Crusty Bread

TUESDAY:

• Totchos -- Nachos made with Tater Tots instead of chips.
• Sliced Cantaloupe

WEDNESDAY:

• Orzo, Shrimp and Peas (See Recipe Below)
  
• Crusty Bread

THURSDAY:

• Something with these ingredients: Coconut Milk, Tofu...
• Any ideas??

FRIDAY: Family Night in celebration of my DH's birthday

• Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos
• Fruit Salad

SATURDAY:

• Leftover Buffet: Fend for yourself night-- whatever is in the fridge for consumption-even if it is just peanut butter or mayonnaise.

RECIPE FEATURE:

Orzo, Shrimp, Pea Dinner

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound orzo
• 1 pound shrimp
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 lemon-squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Artichokes, Feta Cheese (Optional Add-ins)

Method:

Bring 4 cups of chicken broth and turmeric to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add the orzo. Stir occasionally. While that is cooking, saute garlic & shrimp in a little EVOO-- until pink-about 2 minutes or so on each side. Once orzo is cooked-should be tender, add olive oil (I used about 2 tablespoons), juice from a lemon, parsley, shrimp and salt and pepper. You can the optional add-in ingredients if you so desire to give the dish a twist! Serve and enjoy!