Recipes & Food Styling

Happy National Bird Day! 

These pasta treats are such a fun and delicious way to celebrate some of the most amazing species in the world: Birds! 

National Bird Day brings to the forefront the ever-important issue of birds that are disappearing and habitats that are decreasing. From raising awareness to installing bird houses or planting pollinator plants, each of us can do something to help increase bird populations.   

This recipe is a wonderful way to highlight the messages of bird day. I have seen these done without herbs; it just made sense to  mix them in for a pop of green color and freshness!

Bird Nest Pasta Bites

Makes 6 Servings

1/2 box of angel hair pasta 

1 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 bunch fresh basil

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 jar marinara sauce

9 mini mozzarella balls, cut in half

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a pot on the stovetop over medium heat bring water to boil; add pasta and salt. Cook pasta, and remove from pot; strain in strainer. 

In a large bowl, mix together pasta, herbs and egg. Divide the pasta mixture into 6 equal parts and place into a greased muffin tin or mini spring form baking pans.

Top each of the pasta “nests” with marinara sauce and three mini mozzarella balls.

Bake in  oven until the edges of the “nests” start to brown, sauce is hot and cheese is melty, about 40 minutes.