Every year, around this time of the month, I get a little disappointed. Everyone has pink and red hearts bubbling from their heads or chocolate stuffed in their mouths. And every year I feel a little sad because while everyone is swarming the candy isle as if it were an oasis in the desert, the frozen pasta section is left abandoned. In the shadow of St. Valentine, the Learned Order of the Tortellini waves their little flag, claiming February 13th as the day to celebrate their favorite pasta. Yes, February 13th is National Tortellini Day. And yes, the Learned Order, or Brotherhood, of the Tortellini is an actual organization in Italy.
Here are a few fun facts about Tortellini to help you celebrate this stuffed mouthful of a masterpiece:
- Tortellini have a variety of fillings, but it’s usually meat or cheese.
- Tortelloni are just like tortellini, but bigger.
- Tortellini is traditionally served in broth instead of a creamy sauce, but both are delicious.
- The city where Tortellini was first created is Bologna in Italy.
- One legend behind the creation of Tortellini is that the goddess Venus stayed at an inn in Castelfranco Emilia, near Bologna. The innkeeper was overcome by her beauty and tried to spy on her through a key hole, but could only see her belly-button. This inspired him to create a pasta in this shape.
- Tortellini is delicious and amazing and should be respected on its day.
So, before you make a reservation for a candlelit dinner at some fancy steakhouse, remember to honor the day dedicated to this beloved and inspired stuffed pasta.
Happy National Tortellini Day from your friends at Stapley Accounting!
