Sep 20
While working on some dishes for this fall, one of which is the Butternut Squash Tortellacci, I realized that many people probably do not realize what ‘tortellacci’ are. I do realize however, that everyone probably knows what ‘tortellini’ are. Please note the ‘ini’ at the end, which in Italian-speak means small. Tortellini are those delicious little pasta shapes usually stuffed with cheese and tossed in some sort of sauce. The same shape in a little larger form is known as tortelloni, which are used in a Carino’s favorite – the Baked Cheese Tortelloni. Once again, notice the ‘oni’ in the ending, which signifies the larger shape. The new Butternut Squash Tortellacci, which returns to the menu later this month, is tossed with a gorgonzola cream sauce over freshly sautéed spinach. The tortellacci, notice the ending for the last time, is the big daddy of this shape. Since this shape is so large, we are able to try new fillings that emphasize meats and vegetables, rather than just cheese. This version is stuffed with roasted butternut squash, which goes great with the gorgonzola cheese sauce. The tortellacci are more than twice the size of the medium sized tortelloni. They are actually so big, we serve only 6 pieces to an order – but I promise you, you will definitely leave with a full stomach!
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