Wild Mushroom Agnolotti

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "she can't be serious." Is she really going to post about a mass-produced, grocery store pasta? Yes I am. Even foodies need something quick but delicious during the week. Read on, MacDuff.

Through the good people at Foodbuzz, I received a surprise package in the mail last week. When I opened it, there was a sample of a new product line (Riserva) from Buitoni (you read that correctly) - Wild Mushroom Agnolotti.

Now, my first inclination was to dismiss this as not worth my time. But after reading the ingredients (portabello and crimini mushrooms - I know these are not wild, but apparently the Buitoni people don't, cream, bread crumbs, Grana Padano cheese, and Madeira wine, to name a few), I thought, "hey, why not take this out for a spin." It is not beneath me to use store-bought pasta, especially on a Tuesday night after a very full day!

Well, I must tell you, they were excellent. Toss with a little EVOO, sprinkle with some freshly grated Parmigiana Reggiano (the King of Italian cheeses!), add a salad, and you've got dinner. My husband actually said incredulously, "these are Buitoni?" They were that good.

So if I were you, and if you are so inclined, I would hightail it over to the Buitoni web site and download a coupon. Then think about these the next time you want dinner fast and easy but don't want to sacrifice taste. Mangia bene!