Salmon in Parchment Paper

Some of you who follow this blog know that I am expecting. I will say that this pregnancy has been very different than my last in terms of my relationship with food. With my first, I ate...and ate...and ate some more and loved every minute of it. With this pregnancy, eating has often been a chore, which as an avid food lover, I never imagined saying. I guess those are just a few of my excuses why I haven't posted as much as I would like. However, I think this is a meal that you will really enjoy as it combines elegance with simplicity. It would be a great meal to throw together for company as most of the prep is done ahead of time. You can serve it with a simple salad and bread if you like or alone for an easy, tasty weeknight meal. I hope you enjoy!

Baked Salmon in Parchment
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 (5-ounce) salmon filets
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 c lemon juice
1/3 c olive oil
1 T minced garlic (optional)
8 oz orzo pasta
1/2 t dried basil leaves
1/2 t dried oregano leaves
4 slices tomato
1/4 c chopped green onions (garnish, optional)
2 oz crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Directions:
1. In a glass bowl, season the salmon with salt and pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Marinate 15 minutes while preheating oven to 375.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cut four large pieces of parchment paper. Divide the orzo onto the middle of each piece. Lay a salmon filet on top and sprinkle with dried herbs. Place a tomato slice on top of the fish and sprinkle with green onions and feta.
4. Bring the sides of the paper to the middle and twist the ends togeher, sealing the packet. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes with a fork.