Tortellini Carbonara

Can't believe I haven't posted this recipe yet.  Super quick meal if you use prepared cooked bacon pieces.  Here goes:

Tortellini Carbonara

4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

In a large saucepan, combine the bacon, cream, parsley and cheese; cook until heated through.  Meanwhile, prepare tortellini according to package directions; drain and transfer to a serving bowl.  Drizzle cheese sauce over tortellini and toss to coat.  Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings.

Notes:  I usually use the dry three cheese tortellini found in the pasta section.  Just figure out how much you need, and adjust your sauce accordingly.  I usually cook the bacon in the microwave to save time and mess, but you can use the pre-cooked bacon bits or pieces.

Original recipe calls for 8 bacon strips.

Reheating leftovers works better if you add a little milk and heat it on the stovetop. 

Garlic Cheese Dip

Here I am again with another "unpictured" post.  With the big game coming up Sunday, I know some of you are looking for great snacks to take with you as you gather with your friends.  Well, here's a new recipe to us.  My husband had a "food day" at work and discovered this wonderful dip.  He made it as part of our Christmas goodies, put it in a bowl, and it looked more like a cheeseball on steroids.  It really needs a sturdy cracker, so we used the Town House Original FlipSides Pretzel Crackers.

GARLIC CHEESE DIP

Blend the following ingredients together and chill:

16 oz sour cream
16 oz mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
3 Tb chives
2 Tb minced garlic
6 cups shredded Three-cheese blend cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan-Romano blend cheese

Serve with crackers or raw vegetables.

Recipe from:  Lisa Kuhn

Notes:  We used the dried chives found in the spice section, and we used the minced garlic found in the jars in the produce section.  As I mentioned above, we used the Town House Original flavor FlipSides Pretzel Crackers.