Marinated Tortellini Skewers

Creative appetizers could not get any easier or more delicious than marinated tortellini skewers...Perfect for any gathering, whether it's a picnic, Independence Day party, or dress-up dinner, these are simple yet creative, and will be gone in a flash!

The only items I had to pick up at the store were grated parmesan cheese, tortellinis (the dried Bertolli kind is just the right size) and cherry tomatoes, the rest of the ingredients I had in my pantry: balsamic vinegar (you'll only use a splash), EVOO (again, a splash), dried Italian seasoning (about 1 Tbs), salt (pinch), pepper (to taste), garlic powder (to taste, but I use a ton), and black olives (1 can large pitted olives). You can also get a little crazy like me and add some crushed red pepper to the mix, if you'd like a little zip!

Cook your tortellini according to the package directions, al dente. Drain, and place in a large Tupperware container.
Cut your cherry tomatoes in half, add to your Tupperware (you'll want to have a ratio of 1 tomato half to 1 tortellini).
Add your black olives to the container (again, 1 olive to 1 tortellini).
If you feel like splurging a little, pick up a container of mozzarella balls...these are little mozzarella nuggets that can be found in the same area as your specialty meats and cheeses. You can also use a block of mozz, cut into cubes. Guess what? Add this to the Tupperware. (I made it this time sans cheese, and they were still amazing!)

Mix your seasonings, oil, and vinegar together, and pour over your ingredients to marinate. Place a lid on your Tupperware and toss, then set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Skewer a black olive, halved cherry tomato, and cooked tortellini on a toothpick (if you're also adding a mozzarella ball to the mix, you may need to pick up those extra-long toothpicks). These will be quite saucy, so I like to use food service gloves (available at CVS). In the picture shown, I actually skewered first, and then marinated. Whatever you'd like.

Arrange your skewers on a pretty platter, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, and watch out for your fingers, because these go fast!

I suggested this recipe to one of the ladies I work with for an Italian potluck event she was attending, and she was excited to tell me on Monday morning that they were the first appetizers gone! ~Enjoy~