The Town Herald

The netpaper about Elftowners, by Elftowners, for Elftowners.

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A Meal to Impress - Ravioli

By [irulan] 

A Meal to Impress – Yes, It’s Easy
[irulan]

Have you ever wanted to cook a meal for someone special and really impress him or her? And perhaps your culinary skills aren't the greatest? Well, here is a super easy and fast to prepare meal that is sure to make your guest think you are really a professional chef in hiding.

For a great salad, just buy a pre-made salad in a bag - spring greens or romaine hearts are best. Mix with any fresh veggies you wish, add just enough olive oil to coat, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and kosher salt, and toss. Finish it with some shredded cheese and croutons if desired.

The main course will be ravioli (you can also substitute tortellini or fettuccine) with a rich cream sauce. I can typically get freshly prepared ravioli for a very reasonable price from a local market; check around your neighborhood and see what you can find. If this is not available, buy some refrigerated ravioli/tortellini from your local grocery. As a last resort, fettuccine works as well.

Ravioli With Garlic-Rosemary Alfredo Sauce for Two

12 large ravioli
½ to ¾ pint heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons warm water – enough to dissolve cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (or more to taste)
1 small shallot, finely chopped (a small amount of red onion can be substituted)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (dried can be substituted)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt to taste

Bring a large pot ¾ full of water to boil. Add ravioli and reduce heat to medium. (Do not over boil or they will burst!) Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan with tall sides, add olive oil and allow to heat. Add the chopped garlic and shallot. Sauté both until they are light brown in color. Add heavy cream to pan. In a small bowl, make a slurry with the cornstarch and water. Wisk until there are no clumps, and then add to the cream. Bring the cream just barely to a boil and immediately reduce to low heat. Stir constantly, adding salt if desired. Leave over low heat until warm; add the cooked ravioli and coat. Cook for 2 additional minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary on each plate.

Purchase an unbaked sourdough baguette at the grocery (or make your own if you choose); brush butter on the top and sprinkle with fresh or dried rosemary and garlic salt. Serve warm. It is excellent dipped in the cream sauce.

Serve vanilla bean ice cream for dessert and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint if desired.

For a nice touch, set the table with cloth napkins, some simple unscented taper candles or tea lights, and a single flower in a vase. 

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