To say that this Easter is going to be like no other is definitely an understatement. From not being able to go to Church, to not being able to gather with extended family and friends…all of it just seems incredibly wrong. The push to “make the best of it” is honestly starting to wear thin. But what else can you do?

Yesterday I decided that since I have nothing but time on my hands, I was going to make some homemade tortellini. These small rings of pasta can be stuffed with a blend of cheeses or a blend of ground meat. They can be served in a broth, with a red meat sauce, or with a white cream-based sauce. There really isn’t a bad option…they are all great!

Now while making pasta is fun, these little suckers are a true testament to patience and endurance. Making them should not be attempted by the weak-hearted. After I completed the first twenty or so, I remembered why I have only made them twice before….buying them already prepared is definitely the saner option! And although it took me the better part of the day to finish the task, I have to say that once I found my groove…it wasn’t so bad.

Needless to say tortellini will be the main attraction at this year’s Easter dinner. I will probably make a quick meat sauce (I have some ground meat left over from the stuffing for the tortellini that will work nicely) and then a gorgonzola sauce. The rest of the meal is going to be a Finger Food Fest of hard and soft cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, nuts, and whatever else I find in my pantry that I feel like adding to the table. Dessert will include a New York Style Cheesecake and Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies all made by yours truly.

While I am beyond grateful for all that I have this Easter – health, a safe home, family, and plenty of food – I will miss all of the normalcy of Easters passed. Tomorrow I will sit at the table with my husband and my sons, I will pour myself a glass of wine, and I will drink to all the blessings before me and give a special shout out to the better days that are sure to come.

Buona Pasqua and Buon Appetito!