The Italian in all of Us

Last night was a special night for my family. Not because there was a new episode of The Office on (although, that was exciting), or even because Lucy got her first haircut (which was momentous)....last night was special because it was home made Ravioli Night!

Driven by convenience, America is a pre-made, pre-packaged, heat-and-serve, "dinner on the table in 10 minutes or less" type society. My mom was never impressed by box mixes or canned soups, and maybe that's where I get it from, or maybe there's just something refreshing about working hard to feed your family. It's rewarding, natural and maybe a little nostalgic.

Home made pasta is definitely not something a busy mom, or busy anyone, could really do on a regular basis (with the exception of Wonder Woman who we all tend to compare ourselves to and then get horribly depressed when we fall short...why do we do that to ourselves??) but for a fun family activity and inexpensive meal, it can't be beat.

Even Lucy got to participate, she took great joy out of "helping mommy cook" as she sifted flour through her chubby fingers and patted out her own lump of dough as I kneeded the main portion.

Things got a little messy. And Lucy's not the only one! With the three of us up to our elbows in flour and a composite maturity level rivaling that of the average 4th grader....a mighty flour fight ensued. Which I lost. But we all made up in the end.


The experience was memorable...as was the ravioli itself. We made cheese ravioli with sauteed veggies and fresh Parmesan.
Here are pictures of the ravioli in progress:



Ravenous, we devoured the finished product before having the chance to photograph it. You'll just have to believe that it was both good-looking and yummy. There's no feeling like knowing that you've earned your dinner!


And just to complete the experience, I taught Lucy the Ravioli song, which she loved

Ravioli
(to the tune of Aluette)

Ravioli, we love ravioli
Ravioli it's the food for me

Does Lucy have it on her chin?
(echo) Yes she has it on her chin
On her chin?
(echo) On her chin
Oooooooooh no!

And, lastly I leave you with a picture of Giffnark, my first draft of an Alien plush. He comes complete with superfluous arms, a clip on tie and a back story. Lucy's adopted him as her own and is now part of the family. Welcome Giffnark!