Wednesday, August 5, 2015

TORTELLONI & VEGETABLE SALAD & NOVEL DIALOGUE

I had no clue that there is a difference between Tortelloni and Tortellini.  Did you?  They are both a type of egg pasta that's traditionally stuffed.  Tortelloni is larger and normally stuffed with ricotta cheese or veggies, while the tortellini is much smaller and stuffed with meat.  

This meal is so simple to make so you won't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen over a hot stove and it tastes fantastic.



INGREDIENTS

3 Medium Zucchini, cut into bite size pieces or lengthwise
1 Package of Mini Bell Peppers (Seeded)  Or just cut up one Bell Pepper
Salt & Pepper to Taste
1 Package Frozen  Cheese & Spinach Tortelloni
1/2 Cup Basil (Fresh or from a jar)



LEMON-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
1 Shallot - Minced
1/4 Cup Parsley - Freshly chopped or from a jar
1 Tbs. Honey
1 Tbs Dijon Mustard
Salt & Pepper





DIRECTIONS

Spray non-stick butter, canola oil or coconut oil in a pan, then cook the  zucchini and bell peppers for about 3 minutes on medium high, then remove from the pan, allowing them to stand about 5 minutes.


Prepare your tortelloni according to the package directions.  Toss together the cooked veggies and warm tortelloni and lemon vinaigrette. Add salt & pepper to taste.  If you like a little spice, add cayenne or red pepper flakes.  Sprinkle with basil right before serving.




NOVEL DIALOGUE
Have you ever read a book and something about the conversation just didn't click?  The blurb was totally badass, the scenery was wonderful, the plot had this insane energy, and the characters were all drop dead delectable; yet the discussions throughout the pages mysteriously fell flat and had you scratching your head in dismay.

Lately, two of my favorite authors have swerved from the norm by subjecting us to some lightweight and unbelievable talks that don't seem to fit in with the story that's been written, and I'm disappointed. I've struggled to to get through a few chapters because I admire the author so much, before the realizing it's a DNF.  When this happens, I wonder if another writer is pinch hitting while the real author is on vacation, or an alien has somehow taken over when we weren't looking.

Has this happened to you?  Do you finish the book anyway or does it head to the pile never to be seen again?

JUST ONE MORE THING

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date."
-William Shakespeare



9 comments:

  1. Really lovely, thanks for sharing!

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  2. I knew there was a size difference with the pastas but wasn't aware of the filling difference. I have put books on my DNF but I don't do it too often though. I can normally get past stilted conversation if I like everything else but it still makes me want to roll my eyes!

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    1. That's great that you've been finding some good books, Katherine. That sure keeps the pile down. If the convo is lacking, I'm passing. (lol) Hugs...

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  3. Hey can you recommend a good tortellini brand? I don't like Bertoli… I believe that the author you're talking about has been abducted by aliens.

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    1. Hey Braine! I like Buitoni when I can find it. Really nice flavor. LOL! I suspect you may be right about that. Her books really have me scratching my head these days. Hugs and Happy Friday! Ro

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  4. That looks tasty. As for you second question, more often than not. Sigh.

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  5. I had NO IDEA there was a difference. Ooohhh Ro, have you tried the ones with the spinach and cheese inside of them? I got the wheat kinds and they were smack your lips and suck the tips of your fingers good! You should try them. And YES! I mostly read YA and sometimes the convo doesn't match the way young people talk and it was SO OBVI. smh.

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  6. I had no idea there was a difference between the two pastas, but I'm grateful for the recipe (smile!) Thanks.

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