Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
For the Filling:
9 ounces ricotta cheese
5 ounces spinach
6 leaves fresh basil, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment
Bench Scrapper
Rolling Pin
Fork
Instructions
Making the Dough:
Mix the Dough:
On a clean work surface, make a mound with the flour. Create a well in the center.
Crack the eggs into the well, add the salt, and pour in the olive oil.
Using a fork, gently beat the eggs and oil, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well.
Knead the Dough:
Use your bench scrapper to bring the dough together, then knead with your hands until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least an hour.
Making the Filling:
Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, and salt.
Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Assembling the Ravioli:
Roll Out the Dough:
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick). You can also use a pasta machine if you have one.
Make sure both sheets are roughly the same size.
Fill the Ravioli:
Place small mounds (about 1 teaspoon) of the filling mixture on one of the dough sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly brush water around the filling mounds.
Carefully place the second sheet of dough over the first, pressing down around each mound to seal and remove any air pockets.
Use a ravioli cutter, knife, or pastry wheel to cut out individual ravioli.
Cook the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Add the ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.
Serving
Serve:
Serve the ravioli with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, Alfredo, or a simple butter and sage sauce.
Enjoy your homemade ravioli!
Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
2 large potatoes
2 egg yolks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment
Ricer or Grater
Bench Scrapper
Fork
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
Place them on a baking sheet poke potatoes with fork to allow steam to escape. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for an hour until soft.
Once cooked, slit potatoes open and allow steam to escape. Allow to cool.
Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them until smooth. Avoid leaving any lumps.
Make the Dough:
Spread the mashed potatoes on a clean work surface. Let them cool completely.
Once cooled, make a well in the center of the potatoes. Add the egg yolks and salt.
Gradually sift the flour over potatoes and eggs.
Using bench scrapper, gently mix and knead the ingredients together until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or the gnocchi will become tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a bit more flour if necessary.
Shape the Gnocchi:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2-inch in diameter.
Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
To shape the gnocchi, you can leave them as is, or you can roll each piece over the tines of a floured fork to create ridges, which helps the sauce adhere better.
Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the gnocchi in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, let them cook for another 30 seconds.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a serving dish.
Serve:
Serve the gnocchi immediately with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or a simple butter and sage sauce.
Enjoy your homemade gnocchi!
"Post-Holiday Refresh: Design Tips to Reset Your Home"
The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and a warm glow to our homes. However, as the decorations come down and the new year begins, it's the perfect time to give your living space a fresh start. Here are some design tips to reset your house and create a cozy post-holiday atmosphere:
Declutter and Simplify: Start by clearing away the remnants of the holiday decor. Put away ornaments, lights, and seasonal items to create a clean slate. Consider decluttering other areas of your home by organizing and donating items you no longer need.
Neutralize the Palette: If your holiday decor was vibrant and bold, opt for a more neutral color palette to create a serene ambiance. Whites, grays, and earthy tones can help reset the visual tone of your space, providing a sense of calm after the holiday hustle.
Introduce Natural Elements: Embrace the simplicity of nature by incorporating greenery and natural textures into your design. Consider potted plants, fresh flowers, or wooden elements to add warmth and a touch of the outdoors.
Adjust Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space. Swap out colorful or festive lights for softer, warmer tones. Consider using floor lamps, candles, or string lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Reevaluate Furniture Arrangement: Take a fresh look at your furniture layout. Experiment with new arrangements that enhance flow and functionality. A well-thought-out layout can breathe new life into your space and make it feel rejuvenated.
Invest in Versatile Decor: Choose decor items that can transition seamlessly between seasons. Versatile pieces like throw blankets, cushions, and artwork in neutral tones can be easily adapted to different themes and occasions.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook: As the winter months continue, create a comfortable reading nook with plush blankets and soft pillows. This inviting space provides a perfect retreat for relaxation and unwinding.
Personalize with Memories: Showcase memories from the holiday season by framing photos or creating a gallery wall. This personal touch adds warmth to your space and helps you cherish the moments that made the holidays special.
By following these design tips, you can reset your home after the holidays and create a welcoming environment for the year ahead. Embrace simplicity, infuse natural elements, and personalize your space to reflect the comfort and serenity you deserve.
Deck the Halls: Quick Tips for Cozy Christmas Home Decor
"Deck the Halls: Quick Tips for Cozy Christmas Home Decor"
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by decking your halls with Christmas cheer? Here are some quick and easy tips to transform your home into a cozy winter wonderland:
Start with a Festive Foundation: Begin by choosing a color scheme that resonates with the holiday spirit. Classic red and green, elegant gold and silver, or even a winter wonderland theme with whites and blues – pick a palette that suits your style.
Adorn the Front Door: Make a statement from the moment guests arrive by decorating your front door. A festive wreath, adorned with pinecones, ribbons, or even miniature ornaments, sets the tone for the holiday season.
Twinkle with Lights: String lights are the quintessential Christmas decor. Hang them on the tree, drape them across mantels, or frame windows with a warm, twinkling glow. Fairy lights also work wonders in creating a magical ambiance.
Trim the Tree: The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor. Start by fluffing the branches, then add ornaments, lights, and a tree topper. Consider a mix of sentimental ornaments and cohesive decorations for a well-balanced look.
Cozy Up with Textiles: Introduce soft textures and warmth with cozy blankets and holiday-themed throw pillows. A festive blanket draped over a sofa or a few decorative pillows can instantly transform the vibe of a room.
Create a Festive Focal Point: Choose a focal point in each room, whether it's the fireplace mantel, a side table, or a prominent shelf. Decorate this area with themed decor like candles, figurines, or a small Christmas village.
Incorporate Natural Elements: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and holly berries. These elements not only add charm but also provide a refreshing touch to your decor.
Dress Up Windows: Consider adding festive touches to your windows. Hang holiday-themed curtains or tie-backs, and don't forget about window sills – a few candles or small ornaments can make a big impact.
Set a Festive Table: If you're hosting holiday meals, consider dressing up your dining table with a festive tablecloth, napkin rings, and themed dinnerware. A well-decorated table enhances the overall holiday atmosphere.
Personalize with Memories: Showcase holiday memories by displaying family photos or creating a personalized Christmas gallery wall. It adds a sentimental touch to your festive decor.
Remember, the key to successful Christmas decor is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Whether your style is traditional, modern, or eclectic, these tips can help you create a warm and inviting Christmas ambiance that reflects your unique holiday spirit. So, deck the halls with joy and let the magic of Christmas unfold in your beautifully decorated home!
How To Host Thanksgiving Dinner
Preparing to Host Thanksgiving Dinner…
Welcome to your guide for hosting Thanksgiving dinner! If you’ve never hosted before, the idea can be overwhelming. But with some simple tips, you can be sure to have a happy, stress-free Thanksgiving.
First, decide what kind of meal you’re going to offer. Do you want to stick to a traditional menu, or try something fun and original? Factor in allergies and dietary restrictions before making a final menu.
Second, consider how many guests you’d like to invite. Knowing how many people will be attending can help you plan the menu and decide what sides to serve.
Third, make sure you have enough cookware and serving dishes. You’ll need one large roasting pan for the turkey, as well as additional baking dishes or skillets for the sides. Consider labeling each dish to make serving easier.
Fourth, purchase necessary ingredients ahead of time to save yourself a last minute shopping trip. Don’t buy too much – you don’t want your pantry overflowing!
Next, create the perfect atmosphere. Whether you prefer a festive table with lots of decorations or a cozy space with candles and cozy blankets, make it your own.
Lastly, create a timeline for the day so everyone knows when to show up and what tasks need to be completed. Assign tasks to family members so no one person becomes overwhelmed.
Following these simple tips can make your Thanksgiving dinner party a success!