Food for the Heart

In February, we celebrate the meaning of love, defined as an intense feeling of deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, endearment, devotion, passion, desire, lust, yearning and infatuation. Whew, that is a tall order for four little letters to fill!

Many years ago, I cut this quote out of a magazine, and it resonates for me even more today: “It starts with good luck and chemistry, but there are all kinds of things that kill love: being unkind, discourteous, mean-spirited or stingy. The opposite of those things is what makes love endure.” For me, one of the other important factors of keeping love alive is the pleasure of enjoying good food together. Whether cooking at home or dining out, sharing food is the universal language of love.

I am throwing in this quote by the great Charles M. Shultz because it makes me smile and feel happy: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” May you all also smile and feel happy while enjoying the following meal with someone you love.

Beet Ravioli Filling

• 1 large red beet, scrubbed and peeled
• 1/4 cup goat or ricotta cheese
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Roast or boil beets until tender. › Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. › Pulse or blend to a creamy consistency. › Set aside while you prepare the dough.

Pasta Dough

If you have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer with the pasta-making attachment, then proceed in making a basic dough. Here is a great link that will walk you through this very simple process: thelittlekitchen.net/how-to-make-homemade-ravioli-recipe. If you do not have a stand mixer with the pasta attachment, store-bought wonton wrappers make an easy and delicious alternative to making your own.

Pro Tip

Suggestions for topping cooked ravioli include: extra virgin olive oil, shaved Parmesan cheese, cubed cooked beets, sautéed spinach, microgreens, fresh chopped basil and/or toasted pine nuts.