National Tortellini Day

If you are a pasta lover, go grab your fork. Feb. 13 is National Tortellini Day, an annual food holiday that celebrates this delicious Italian dish.

Tortellini is a ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with meat or cheese. Whether you prefer yours smothered in a delicious sauce, in a piping-hot bowl of soup or in a cold pasta salad, this versatile stuffed pasta originated in the region of Bologna, Italy.

Tortellini is such a beloved dish, members of the secretive Learned Order of Tortellini are devoted to the preservation of the pasta. Legend has it that during their meetings, the members wear red and gold tortellini-shaped hats and necklaces made of ribbon adorned with a gold tortellini. The members do not speak until their "tortellini in broth" meal is completely finished. Now that's dedication!

In honor of National Tortellini Day, why not whip up one or two tried-and-true or brand spankin' new tortellini recipes?