No Meat Fridays? Shrimp Boil!

I'm not going to lie...we should not be eating meat on Fridays, but we have gotten pretty bad about this since we've had kids.  Generally, I like to just make one meal for everyone and our kids are not big fans of fish (except for fish sticks!) and now we have a possible shellfish allergy to add to it.  It's definitely a Mom and Dad meal, but we eat early these days.  I could just serve cheese quesadillas, tomato soup and grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, or cheese pizza, but I don't.  Maybe I'll make it a goal for next year!

I will share with you, though, my favorite shrimp boil recipe.  We eat this every year with my parents for our Christmas celebration.  I could sure go for some tonight!

Shrimp Boil

6 cups water
2 T. salt
2 T. vinegar
2 bay leaves
2 stalks celery
Fresh shrimp with the shell on, however many pounds you plan to eat!

Combine all ingredients except shrimp.  Bring to boil.  Add 1/2 pound to 1 pound of shrimp at a time.  Cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes generally).  Remove shrimp with slotted spoon.  Repeat as necessary, bringing water to a boil each time.

Serve with warm butter and cocktail sauce if desired.