I’d like to introduce you to Beth Nepote and her lovely family! Her winning recipe is Greek Tortellini and Spinach Pasta Salad. But first, let’s get to know her a little better.
Q. Tell us about yourself. What are your hobbies, interests?
A. I love to cook, grow my own foods and read.
Q. Tell us about your family. Who are you cooking for these days?
A. I cook for my husband and two daughters, 15 and 9.
Q. Does your family have any dietary restrictions or fitness goals that affect your meal planning?
A. I work to make our meals as healthy as possible but still palatable to my picky family. I also have several food allergies to work around.
Q. Are you a cook by the recipe kind of girl or just until it looks right?
A. I use recipes and tweak them based on our tastes.
Q. What is your favorite kind of food to cook?
A. I love making jams and preserves right now.
Q. What is a budget saving tip you use?
A. I grow my own veggies and herbs, and have some young fruit trees that will produce in the next year or so. I shop at Aldi and Wal-Mart for the rest of our food. We also have hens who should start laying soon.
Q. If cost was no option, which food would you buy more of?
A. My family would say steak!
Q. Tell us about the recipe and how you came to tweak it.
8. I was introduced to the dish as a side dish with several additional ingredients. I wanted to make it a light meal my family would eat. I added the grilled chicken and left out the hard-boiled eggs, onion and kalamata olives.
Greek Tortellini and Spinach Pasta Salad
Ingredients
20oz fresh cheese tortellini
1/2 c. EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1 lb. baby spinach leaves
1 c. crumbled feta cheese (about 6 oz.)
Directions
1. Cook tortellini per package directions
2. Drain pasta
3. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, oregano and salt in a large bowl
4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat
5. Cover and chill – 1 day is ideal, 2 hours is minimum
6. Mix in spinach and feta and serve immediately
