oval basket with spindle handle

I haven’t made a basket in forever. 

 It was good to be back at it.

This one is a housewarming gift. 

Do you have a new house?

It may be for you . . . 

{oval basket with spindle handle}

lemon cheese tortellini salad

Lemon Cheese Tortellini Salad

{this is my new favorite summer recipe}

Serves 4-6

          19 oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini cooked and drained
          1 pint grape tomatoes halved
          6 stalks celery diced (or ½ seedless cucumber)
          2 cooked chicken breast halves cubed **
          1 cup feta cheese crumbles (save half for topping)
          ½ c kalamata olives halved
          ¼ c Marzetti Simply Dressed Lemon Vinaigrette

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl add grape tomato halves, diced celery (you can substitute ½ seedless cucumber diced if desired), cubed chicken breasts, ½ cup feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Add lemon vinaigrette dressing and toss to coat.

Stir in drained tortellini. Add more dressing if desired. Top with ½ cup feta cheese crumbles. Salt and pepper to taste.

(we love, love, love this dressing)

** Easy Lemon-Roasted Chicken
6-8 boneless chicken breast halves
1 clove minced garlic
3 Tbls olive oil
dried oregano (or Italian Seasoning)
1 lemon thinly sliced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl or bag toss together chicken, garlic, and olive oil. Spread chicken breasts on a large parchment lined baking sheet. Season with oregano, salt and coarse ground pepper. Put one lemon slice on each breast. Roast chicken, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes (165 degrees)

(we freeze these breasts in single servings for use in later recipes)