Fried Tortellini with Merry-nara - the perfect holiday appetizer

Fried Tortellini has become one of our favorite appetizers.

Crisp, cheesy delightful bites that are

so simple and such a crowd pleaser...

with my special "Merry-nara", 

it brings so much Joy to the Table...

I buy Barilla Three Cheese Tortellini and Marinara at Safeway

(where they are offering it at .75 cents off) 

and cook the tortellini, according to package instructions, for 10 minutes...

Drain the tortellini, run under cold water and place on paper towels to dry.

Once the tortellini is cooled, dust the slightly damp tortellini with flour.

Heat oil in a deep skillet.  

(I use vegetable oil)

Wait for the oil to get hot and slightly bubble.

Fry the tortellinis about 10 at a time,

 for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, until browned.

Serve right away...

 "Merry-nara" dipping sauce, could not be easier.

I use my cleaned, well-loved reindeer paper punch...

and carefully slide in a basil leaf just as you would with paper...

Press down and presto...

a Basil Reindeer!

The perfect topper for warm Barilla Marinara Sauce...

a few snowmen may decide to join the party too...

 For this recipe, I used the Barilla Three Cheese Tortellini,

 but the Cheese and Spinach Tortellini is just as delicious.

Wishing you a festive fried tortellini filled holiday!

Follow Barilla on Facebook for other great ideas and recipe inspirations.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Barilla, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #JoytotheTable  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

also on Someday Crafts, Tidy Mom, Marvelous Mondays,  Uncommon Designs,  Sunday Showcase