Love me some Shrimp & Orzo!!

Lord Honey, heart shaped shrimp is made for love--"Orzo" I'm told. Sorry (not sorry) for the obvious pun--but seriously, y'all are in for a treat with the romantic presentation of my "Shrimp, Love and Orzo" recipe--honey, trust me--it's not just purty--it's delicious.

Shrimp, Love, and Orzo

Jason Smith, FNS southerncountrybling.com

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1-cup orzo, cooked according to box

2-TBPS fresh dill, minced

1-tsp dried tarragon

Zest from half lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Shrimp:

1-pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1-tsp onion powder

1-tsp garlic powder

¼-tsp cayenne pepper

1-tsp paprika, smoked or sweet

Salt and pepper

Toothpicks

Vegetables:

2-small or 1-medium zucchini, halved and sliced

1-red bell pepper, sliced into strips

4-TBSP butter, divided

Juice from 1 lemon

½-cup chicken broth or stock

Directions:

· Place the onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl stir to combine.

· To make the shrimp hearts, lay the shrimp in heart shapes and run half a tooth pick through the thick part of the shrimp.

· Place shrimp hearts on a plate and sprinkle each side with seasoning.

· Place cooked hot orzo in bowl and stir in the herbs, zest, salt and pepper.

· Spoon orzo onto a large serving platter.

· In a large skillet over medium high heat place half the butter and melt, add the shrimp and cook 2 mins per side, remove and place on top of orzo.

· Add the veggies to skillet, and saute for 5 mins--tossing frequently, add the rest of the butter, chicken broth, lemon juice and cook for 3-4 mins--until liquid begins to thicken.

· Spoon veggies around edge of orzo and pour sauce over the shrimp and orzo.

Tip: This recipe is great with thin sliced chicken as well.

ENJOY!!!