A couple of recipes to share....

These are some favorite recipes I thought I'd share.......for two reasons. I am tired.....and I have no blogging mojo! And they are GOOD, and you just might need some cooking mojo to be inspired to try a new recipe. So it's a win-win, right?

Tortellini Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

4 oz. cheese tortellini or other pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
4 oz. grilled chicken, diced
2 frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and sliced
1 oz. fresh spinach, torn into pieces
12 sun-dried tomatoes, either marinated or, if dried, plumped in water
2 oz. feta cheese
3 slices red onion
Mixed greens

Vinaigrette Dressing

2 cloves garlic
1 t. dried oregano
1 T. tomato paste
6 T. balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. olive oil

In a serving bowl, combine the tortellini, diced chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, tomatoes, feta cheese, and onion. Toss together.
To make the vinaigrette, puree the garlic, oregano, tomato paste, vinegar, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor; then, with the machine running, gradually add the oil to make a smooth emulsion. To serve, combine enough dressing with the salad ingredients to moisten them and toss to coat well. Serve over mixed greens if desired. Serves 2.

AND:

Bavarian Apple Torte

Crust:
8 T. butter, softened ( 1 stick)
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 t. vanilla
1 c. flour

Filling:
1 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla

Topping:
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/3 c. sugar
4 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. To make the crust, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour and mix well. Press onto the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a greased 9 inch springform pan.
For the filling, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Spread evenly over the pastry.
Make the topping: In a large mixing bowl, srinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Toss well. Spoon the apples over the filling. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Reduce the temp. to 400 degrees and bake the torte 25 minutes longer. Cool before removing from pan. Serves 8 to 10. Enjoy!