Tahini and Roasted Walnut Oil Salad Dressing

1/2 c Tahini
1/2 c Roasted Walnut Oil***
1/2 c Water
1/4 c Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp of Lemon juice
2 tsp of minced fresh garlic
2 tsp of minced fresh ginger


*** I bought a Trio pack from Trader Joe's that consists of Roasted Walnut Oil, Roasted Pistachio Oil, and Roasted Hazelnut Oil. You may use regular Olive Oil as a substitute.

Cheese Tortellini and Sun-Dried Tomato Soup

Ingredients

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups 2% milk*
2 cups half-and-half cream*
1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon onion powder (I used half a shallot instead)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (I used fresh, minced garlic)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional


*I'm aware there is a lot of dairy in this soup. Next time I may try all milk or 3 cups of skim milk and 1 cup cream next time to cut down on fat. If you try to change the recipe and it's good, let me know!

Directions

1) Cook tortellini according to package directions.

2) Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. 

3) Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired.

Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Cajun Risotto with Smoked Garlic Sausage

Ingredients 

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Butter

1 Shallot (or Onion), chopped

1 Bell Pepper, Chopped

3/4 Cup Arborio Rice

3-4 Cups Swanson Louisiana Cajun Broth

Directions

1) Heat olive oil and butter in a large sauce pan

2) Sauté shallots until transparent. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.

3) Add rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 cup broth and bring to a boil.

4) Add remaining broth 1/2—1 cup at a time, cooking and stirring until liquid is absorbed each time.

5) Add sausage about 10 minutes prior to finishing to cook thoroughly.