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Years ago, when we were first married and I was learning what it was like to be a wife of a soldier, I met an amazing woman. For the life of me, I can not remember her name. She was so nice to me. At the time, she was probably my mother's age and I was 22. Suddenly I was thrust into attending coffee's and tea's, receptions, and what seemed like endless ceremonies. My idea of cooking the previous year before would have been whatever Lean Cuisine was sitting in my freezer. I remember being so intimidated by some of the dishes that the wives would bring to our events.
Intimidated for sure. I hadn't mastered many cooking techniques in this point in time. I remember once this wife telling me, do stuff that is easy, and just make it look nice. For one event, she brought these appetizers. So classy looking. So easy to make! Few ingredients-- just cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella, and a package of fresh tortellini. Hey, I can do that. And so can you!
These skewers are not rocket science. They are easy peasy and look so elegant. They work year round, even at Christmas with the pretty green pasta and red tomatoes.
Start with a big batch of fresh basil. Some fresh mozzarella. They even sell adorable little pre-shaped mozzarella in ball form. I'm cheap, so I go with a fresh block and slice it into square chunks.
A large loaf is more than enough for the skewers and snacks for the assembly person!
You should boil your tortellini first, and allow it to cool. I use cheese filled, but I'm sure other flavors would be superb.
You can probably purchase cute skewers, but I use standard toothpicks. Thread a tortellini on one end, a piece of basil, a cherry tomato, and finish it with a square of mozzarella. Easy Peasy.
Display in a pretty dish. Arrange in order, every other with mozzarella down, or put the tomatoes on the end, and arrange in a circle--that makes a really pretty presentation.
See how easy that was? Seriously, so easy. But who wouldn't feel confident carrying these little cuties into the next party you attend?
Sometimes, the amount of work doesn't equal the amount of payoff. I am so thankful for the woman who was so nice to me all those years ago. Not just for the sharing of this recipe, but for showing me that evenly the most elegantly dressed tray of food is never as important as the kindness you share.
Looking for some more recipe inspiration?
Mabey She Made It says
These look so good! I love pasta, tomatoes, and cheese.
Laura - Eye Candy Creative Studio says
this looks amazing - pinned!
Tracey Hilborn says
These really do look amazing!
Atta Girl Amy says
Love your story -- what great advice that woman gave you, and now you're paying it forward. The appetizers look divine. I pinned them to my Party Foods board, and I'm also sharing on Facebook. Now, I need to go to the grocery store and buy the ingredients to make them.
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Amy!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Tracey. Funny, since they are so easy! LOL
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Laura!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks! I love all 3 of those too!
Britni Vigil says
What a great idea, so many different combinations you could use with a tortellini skewer!
Cori George says
I agree with Amy -- great story! PLUS, these look soooo good. I want them. Now.
Maria says
These look so good! What a great quick & easy lunch or snack! That carrot cake looks so amazingly delicious too!!! YUM!!!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Britni! I think you will come up with a few ideas I'm sure!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Cori!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks so much!
Cathy McInnes says
Love, love this idea! It's a perfect appetizer! PINNED because these will be served at my next party! 🙂 Saying hello from the creative collection!
Cathy @ three kids and a fish
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Cathy!