4 Cheese Ravioli with Spinach and Sausage in Creamy Tomato Sauce

I love all the fresh pasta you can get in the stores now. Even though I am not in NY
or LA and can't go to the corner Italian Market for super fresh, made that day pasta;
I can still find some decent packaged fresh pasta. I opted for a 4 cheese, but they
also had 3 and 5 cheese blends.

Since fresh pasta takes only 5 minutes to cook, I started on my sauce first.
I found some great chicken sausage with roasted red pepper and asiago
(there is my 5th cheese). I sliced it on the diagonal so it would have plenty
of surface area to brown and get slightly crispy.

I started my sauce with diced onion and minced garlic.
Lots of garlic.
It was just one of those days.
I added some sliced white mushrooms and oregano, sauteing it all
off till soft. Then I added my sliced chicken sausage to brown.

Meanwhile, I had my pot of water boiling for the pasta and
added the fresh ravioli about now.

I finished my sauce by stirring in a small can of tomato paste, a 15oz can of
diced tomato, and wilted in the fresh spinach.  I turned off the heat and stirred
in about 6oz of ricotta (my 6th cheese) and about 1/4c of heavy cream.

Drain your pasta and serve it up with a healthy ladle of sauce.
Have some nice crusty bread and healthy olives.
Pick a nice crisp white to drink and you're in heaven!

Tuscan Bean Spread

1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained       

1-2 cloves of roasted garlic
1 big handful of fresh basil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Red pepper flakes to taste

Smash the beans and mix all together. Or run it through a blender or food processor. Get a nice think paste them add good quality extra virgin olive oil to thin down to a consistency you like.

This is great on veggies, crostini, bruschetta, pita chips, etc. Top with diced tomato, roasted red pepper, sundried tomato and anchovy, etc....

You can use other flavor profiles to make any bean spread you desire.

Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Vegetables

Spring weather is here and I was in the mood for something

light and healthy. I saw some good asparagus in the store and my imagination took flight. Luckily, the hubster enjoyed the meal too.

Chop 1 small onion and 2 large cloves of garlic. Saute them in at least 4 tbs of olive oil till soft and fragrant. 

Add 2 tbs flour to make a roux. Add lots of pepper.

Put in some good citrusy white wine, like Sauv Blanc.

Stir till thickened. Add whole milk till you get a velvety sauce.

Add the zest and Juice of 1 large lemon. Stir.

Now add your 1" pieces of spring asparagus and red pepper strips. Let cook in sauce on low till the colors are vibrant.

Serve over hot pasta and sprinkle with plenty of chopped basil and parmesan.

I threw in some heirloom cherry tomatoes as well. Then I had to add some rotisserie chicken because Mark needs meat in everything. It was yummy and spring like- so enjoy it any way you want.

Great additions would be baby shrimp, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts...anything you like.

It could also be a great side dish for salmon, other fish or roasted chicken. 

Turkey Florentine Stuffed Shells

Prepare your shells al dente to prevent tearing and allow them plenty of cooling
time so you don't burn your hands.

Saute fine chopped onion and garlic. Add chopped mushrooms. Add and
brown ground turkey. Add your fresh baby spinach near the end of cooking
to wilt it into the mixture. Finish off with oregano and parsley. Mix it all
together with ricotta and parmesan.

Cool this mixture. Don't rush and burn your hands. (do you get the idea
that I was not patient?) Stuff your shells with your yummy mixture.

Mix tomato sauce with diced tomatoes. Stir in plenty of fresh chopped basil. Dollop
out 1/2 on the bottom of your pan to keep the shells from sticking. Arrange your
shells, then top with the rest of your tomato mix and some grated parmesan.

Bake for 30 min until bubbly. Serve with a nice Pinot Gris. :)

Teriyaki Chicken

Something quick and simple over good rice, can be an exquisite dinner.
I made this mouth watering delight with a few items on hand.

I marinated chicken breasts in a store bought teriyaki sauce with
green onions and sesame seeds.

I coarsely chopped pineapple, red pepper and sweet onion.
I sauteed it all quickly ans served over Lime Basil Rice with
more fresh green onion and sesame seeds.

Lime Basil Rice

Cook rice in vegetable broth. When done stir in lime zest, the juice of 1/2 a lime,
and about 2 tbs of minced basil (the thai basil is excellent) with a drizzle of olive oil.