This was an idea I got out of a Christmas themed cookbook. I found multi-colored Parmesan tortellini's and thought they would be perfect. Unfortunately the colors faded a little when the pasta boiled. But hopefully you can see that I was trying to create a wreath of green, red, and (white) pasta. Then I gave them a light dusting of oregano & parsley to add a little more to the flavor ... and the wreath motif. (Try saying that three times quickly.)
The dipping sauce is great. And you don't have to take my word for it. Two days after the party my wife had some for leftovers, and she specifically told me how delicious it was. And it's incredibly simple. Take a block of cream cheese and blend it in a mixing bowl. Add a 7 oz jar of pesto, or make your own, and a tsp of lemon juice. You then blend everything together with a hand mixture until it has a creamy texture. Salt & pepper to taste as needed. This dish can be served warm or cold. The lemon juice adds a nice acidity to balance the richness of the cream cheese and the garlic flavor of the pesto. I think this is a fantastic Christmas treat.
I also julienned red & green bell peppers to continue my Christmas theme. Then I made a dipping sauce for that with light ranch dressing, goat cheese, sour cream, and minced green onion. Again, blend everything together in a mixing bowl. Most of the guests just thought it was ranch dressing. But I know there was more to it. And I think once I informed them, they did too. ;-)
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