Thank you Brawny® Tear-A-Square® for sponsoring this post. Think of all the ways you can Put a Square There!
One of my favorite things about summer is there’s always a reason to get together and enjoy the sunshine. In New York City, that means a lot of rooftop cookouts and get-togethers in our apartment. For the first beautiful summer Saturday a few weekends ago, I invited some of my best girlfriends (and Auggy the dog, too!) over for our favorite summer snacks and treats, and to soak up the sunshine.
One of the trickier elements about hosting parties in NYC is that space is always limited. With tight space, my first step is always making sure everything is clean, and can stay clean throughout the party. I also believe in making things memorable, but also easy and simple for a stress-free time. For me, that means cooking dishes that can be made the night before (like a huge Greek Pasta Salad, recipe below!), seasonal treats that are simple, but make the tablescape look beautiful (hello lemon cupcakes and fresh fruit!), and of course, having rolls of paper towels nearby for any spills and a quick clean up.
That is why I’ve been loving the new Brawny® Tear-A-Square® paper towels because they give you three different sheet size options (full, half, and quarter) so you can use the sheets for any mess, big or small! I loved the quarter sheet sizes because they are perfect to use for grabbing a treat, like my lemon cupcakes, or for wiping up a tiny spill. No need to waste an entire sheet of paper towel when you only need a small one for the moment! I then rely on the full and half sheets for cleaning any messes during the party. There’s no reason to stop a party because of messes, and Brawny® Tear-A-Square® makes my life easier knowing that it’s there to help.
Putting on a party can be stressful, mainly because the clean-up that happens after. Our summer is just getting started, and I know whether its grilling, a picnic in Central Park or even just a night of takeout in the apartment with friends, Brawny® Tear-A-Square® paper towels are going to be the summer party staple to make sure no party is a mess!
GREEK TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 pound tortellini pasta (I used both cheese and spinach)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 red and yellow peppers, diced
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup kalamata olives (whole or sliced)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (I use reduced fat)
1 cup of diced chicken breast
DRESSING
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
DIRECTIONS
Combine all dressing ingredients together and put to the side
In a large bowl combine tortellini, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, olives, feta cheese, and basil. Pour dressing over the top, then toss to combine
Serve immediately OR cover and refrigerate up to 6 hours before serving