So many let out a little sigh when they think fall is here. Goodbye Summer, shorts and beach weather. I say lets embrace the each season as they come. To me each season is about the taste and smell. I say welcome back fall!
This week on my home menu is butternut squash ravioli. This dainty yet bold flavorful meal is something I look forward to each year. Just saying it brings an enlightened look in my eyes. But oh, that smell! The smell that echos throughout my home. This is the smell that makes any house a home.
For anyone that feels they can only order something like this, don’t feel discouraged. I have a simple recipe to share. Most of the ingredients are things you most likely have on hand hidden in your spice rack. I make my own pasta, but on busy nights it’s nice to have a little bit of a shortcut.
- 1 cup cooked butternut squash (a small butternut squash)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 crushed clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of cayenne (It gives it a hint. It’s nothing over powering)
- 1 package round wonton wrappers
- 1 stick butter (butter is so much better than margarine for this recipe!)
- 2 tbsp chopped sage
To prepare, cut the squash length wise, discard the seeds and wrap in foil. Bake this face down at 375 for about an hour or until tender. Once done scoop into a bowl and discard the skin.
Place one cup of the butternut squash into a mixing bowl. Add the mascarpone, Parmesan, egg yolk, garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly with a spatula.
To make the dumpling: Using the tip of your finger or small pastry brush, dampen the wonton wrapper, all the way around the edge with water or beaten egg. Place 1/2 tablespoon of the butternut filling in the center and fold in half, pinching the edges together tightly to seal. Remember to not overfill the wrapper, otherwise it will come undone or not be able to stick when you close it.
Place the butter in a large skillet, and over med-low heat cook until the butter turns a light tan color and takes on a nutty aroma. Turn the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook the garlic in the butter for 2 minutes and remove. Turn off the heat until the dumplings are cooked.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings and boil for 1 minute, or until they float. Drain well and add to the hot brown butter. Add the sage and cook on med-high until the dumplings get a little color and are heated through. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve 8 dumplings per person with grated Parmesan.
And now that Sunday dinner is made and fantastic (give yourself a pat on the back), it’s time for a well deserved drink, don’t you agree? My favorite drink of the season is simple and gives a great presentation. I like to make these in glass irish coffee glasses (These can be bought from Bed Bath and Beyond for $2.00 a piece).
This is a simple drink with a few steps. First, warm up a few shots of your favorite spiced rum (1 shot per glass). After you heat up your rum, go ahead and heat up some apple cider. Measure out on shot for each cup and then add your cider. For ambiance I like to add a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of a granny smith apple. It’s a drink that is sure to please.
Fall is not just about the rich scents, it’s also about the deep colors and sweaters you get to put back in your closet. Yes, shorts need to be put away but bring on the new wardrobe! Fall to me is all about my cute hats I cant wear in the summer and are useless for the winter. They serve no purpose but I love the way I look and feel. It’s about that little black shirt and a bold scarf, deep red short nails, and neutral makeup with a faded red lip color. Those suede boots that have been calling my name. You know the ones I’m talking about. That color that looks fantastic no matter the color of your jeans. Not to mention my little fall tweed coat for the brisk nights. I’ve already started embracing my fall wardrobe. How about you?
That is my day’s two cents. Cash them out or use them. But no matter your choice, I hope you enjoy your day like I have mine.
The world in my eyes 