Italian Grilled Cheese and Tortellini Tomato Soup

A while ago, I mentioned that I had a project I would be working on. The project has changed slightly since then, but here is what's happening: I'm hosting J and O'L's engagement party! I'm highly excited. I am hosting it in my apartment with my room mates and I 'm catering it! Ya! The party is April 27th, so I will be trying to find the best recipes until then. We are trying to keep it as finger food but replace dinner food with hors dourves here.While we had one hiccup with a thai chicken skewer that will not be served, this sandwich recipe was immediately approved to be served. It is an Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich and it was a great dinner sandwich but will also be adorable cut into 4 triangles to serve as noshes.
But, because of the classic grilled cheese/tomato soup combo, and the fact that Danielle and Robin are hosting a recipe remix, I didn't stop at the grilled cheese. I added a Tortellini Tomato soup to the side for a super easy, delicious Italian supper.

Tips and Changes: Be sure to butter even the edges of the top of the bread for the sandwiches, or else it will burn before other parts toast. Otherwise both dishes were perfect.Tortellini Tomato Soup (Adapted from Allrecipes)

• 2 Tbsp oil
  
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
  
• 32 oz box of reduced sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
  
• 1 (9 ounce) package small cheese tortellini
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• parmesan cheese

1. Saute carrot and onion over medium/high heat for about 8-10 minutes until softened. Add broth and water. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add tortellini, tomatoes, zucchini, and basil and simmer 10-20 min.
3. Serve and top with parmesan.

Italian Grilled Cheese (adapted from Allrecipes)

• 1/4 cup softened butter or country crock
  
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/8 teaspoon parmesan
• 8 slices white or potato bread
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
  
• 1/2 of an 8 ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup jarred vodka marinara sauce

1. Preheat your oven's broiler.
2. Place 4 slices of bread onto a baking sheet. Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce onto each slice then top with a small handful of the mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread. Mix together the butter, parmesan, basil/oregano and garlic powder, brush some over the tops of the sandwiches, or spread with the back of a tablespoon.
   
3. Place baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove pan from oven, flip sandwiches, and brush the other sides with butter. Return to the broiler, and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally, and serve immediately.