This Goes Well With Ravioli

This recipe is easy!  It would make a great appetizer, but it also goes really well with the butternut ravioli recipe I just posted.

Ricotta Bruschetta

1 loaf of French bread or a baguette, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil 
1 cup of onion-garlic Ragu spaghetti sauce
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper 

Cut the bread into 1/2" thick slices.  Brush each side with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes, turn over, and bake for 5 more minutes.  In a microwaveable bowl, combine sauce, cheese, salt, and pepper.  Mix well.  Cover and place in a microwave for 1 minute.  Stir and heat for 30 second increments until hot.  Top each bread slice with the mixture and serve.

 

A New Twist for Ravioli

If you have been following me for any length of time, you'll know that 98% of my recipes are quick and easy.  This one falls into the other 2%.  The only reason I made this recipe is because this is Labor Day weekend so I have more time for this kind of recipe.  It's also the first time I have gone to the grocery store in about 2 weeks and I was able to pick up all the ingredients! It's not a difficult recipe, but it is a little time consuming. I bought a 25 oz. bag of ravioli and used half of it because I couldn't find a small bag.  I hope you enjoy it!

Butternut-Squash Ravioli

2 shallots, finely chopped
1 Tb. minced garlic
1/2 lb. ground beef or mild sausage
3 cups chicken broth
1 small bag of frozen ravioli (cheese or meat) 
1 butternut squash (pre-cook)
2 Tb. butter
3 cups of fresh spinach
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 

Before you begin this recipe, you'll need to bake a butternut squash in the oven scrape the squash out of the skin.  Combine shallots, garlic, and meat in a large pot.  Brown completely.  Remove from pot and place in a mini food processor.  Chop until well blended and fine.  Pour in chicken broth in the pot and bring to a boil.  Add in ravioli and cook for 6-7 minutes.  Add in butternut squash and cook for 6-7 more minutes until liquid is absorbed.  Reduce heat to a simmer and add in meat mixture, butter, and spinach.  Let cook for another 5 minutes.  Stir in cheese and serve.