November 2010--Raviloi with Broccoli and Red Peppers

This recipe is easy, fast, and cheap.  The perfect weeknight dinner trifecta.  Did I mention it's also quite tasty?

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin 2 inch strips
3 garlic cloves, minced (I cheat and use the pre-minced kind in a jar)
1 pound frozen cheese ravioli
3 cups tiny broccoli florets
2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil, or 1/2 tsp dried
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan Cheese

Being a large quantity of water to a boil in a stockpot.  Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.  Add the red pepper and garlic, and saute until the pepper is very soft and golden, about 10 minutes.  Keep warm over low heat.

Drop the ravioli into the boiling water.  About 3 minutes before the ravioli is finished cooking (check package) add the broccoli and cook together until tender, about 3 minutes.  Drain in a colander.

Add ravioli and broccoli into the red pepper and garlic.  Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir together.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (or, if you are my husband, dump on the Parmesan).

Recipe adapted from Vegetarian Classics by Jeanne Lemlin.

October 2010--Drive-In Walnut Burgers

This is another recipe from my friend Jenee (I am still mourning her move to Colorado).  This recipe is a favorite because 1-It tastes good.  2-It's really, really fast to make.

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1 Tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended:McCormick)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg
Fixings:  I like lettuce, tomato, and avocado on mine.  And of course, ketchup, mayo, and mustard.  Kameron likes to put barbecue sauce on his.

Directions:
In a blender, combine walnuts, garbanzo beans, bread crumbs, grill seasoning, and oil and vinegar and pulse until coarsely ground.  Add the egg and pulse for ten seconds.  Guess what--that's pretty much it!

Form into four patties.  You can either grill these or bake them.  I usually bake them--350 degrees for ten minutes on each side.

Eat up!  I think you'll love them!