THE INVISIBLE CHEF SHOWS UP VOLUNTEERS A PRIVATE COOKING CLASS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO TIME FOR COOKING.

Whether you work in or out of the home, what you do mostly is....work. Cooking is the last thing you want to think about after a long day hunkered down over a hot computer, or a couple of darling (or not so darling today) children.
Not to worry, The Invisible Chef thinks about nothing but cooking so you don’t have to! Her (His? Its?)fervent desire is to present you with quick, easy (read really easy) meals that will nourish your body and what’s left of your mind at the end of the day. Case in point is the tasty soup recipe your unseen friend has created for this column. Enjoy, and if you happen to catch a glimpse of something sort of white whisking away in a far corner of your kitchen, pay no attention, it’s only your Chef, doing a Chef’s job.

TORTELLINI/RAVIOLI SOUP

1 9 oz. package tortellini or ravioli (the kind that’s kept in a refrigerated case) Any of the flavors will do beautifully. Please note that although the chef refers only to tortellini in the recipe, that’s to avoid writing both words every time. The Chef likes cooking, not typing!

3 —14 1/2 oz. cans chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best)
1 large clove fresh garlic, chopped fine
1 red pepper, cut in small strips to match the carrots. (Décor in the dish is everything, y’know.)
1/2 package shredded carrots
8 to 10 fresh spinach leaves(washed well, the chef hates sandy soup)
4 green onions chopped, tops and all
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese; fresh grated is best, of course.

Sauté the garlic in the oil for a few seconds, just enough to soften it. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Toss in the tortellini and cook according to package directions. The last few minutes toss in the carrots and red pepper. When the tortellini is cooked, turn off the heat, and toss in the spinach leaves and chopped green onion. That’s it. You’re done. Sit down, eat, and enjoy. Serve this delicious concoction with a tossed green salad (you can tell your family you just tossed this whole meal together!)and a loaf of hot crusty bread and you’ve got a tasty (even healthy) feast! And oh, yeah, it freezes beautifully, and makes a great lunch, too.