Handmade Pasta by Jean Marie

Create a festive holiday dish with Jean Marie

Jean Marie Fischer

Cheese Ravioli with a Tuscan Tomato Basil Sauce

I have lived in our neighborhood for 45 years. I love the beauty of Hershey; the friendly people, the community events and the wonderful local shops and restaurants. I am honored to share a special family receipe with Greet Hershey! Many years ago, my husband's family in Italy shared this simple sauce recipe with me. Since that time, I have chanegd a few ingredients to make this my everyday sauce. Pair it with any handmade pasta for a delicious meal. 

A few notes to make this recipe even more unique: 
  1. The fresh plum tomatoes give the sauce brightness and a great texture. 
  2. Fresh sliced mushrooms can be added for a different flavor.
  3. A traditional Caesar Salad will pair well with this dish, along with a bottle of dry red wine.
Cheese Ravioli with a Tuscan Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients
2 lbs. fresh plum tomatoes, seeded and diced--2, 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes can be substituted 
1 medium onion, diced 
1 clove of garlic, chopped 
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
2 tsp brown sugar 
6 oz can of tomato paste 
6 oz Sherry Wine- cooking wine can be substituted 
6 oz pasta water- save some before draining pasta 
1 bay leaf 
1 tsp oregano- fresh can be used 
2 tsp fresh basil 
1 doz. frozen cheese ravioli by HandMade Pasta by Jean Marie 
Salt and pepper to taste
2 TBS grated Romano Cheese and fresh basil leaves as garnish

Instructions
1. In a medium size pan, Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. 
2. Add garlic and cook for a few more minutes under tender.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the basil, and combine. 
4. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
5. While sauce is cooking, in 5 qt pot add 1 TBS salt and 4 qt. water and bring to a boil. 
6. Add frozen pasta to boiling water. Boil gently for 8-10 minutes or until desired tenderness. 
7. Drain pasta in colander, add pasta water and basil to sauce. Cook a few more minutes until incorporated.
8. Remove bay leaf. 
9. Place pasta on plate, spoon sauce over pasta. 
10. Sprinkle Romano Cheese on top and garnish with a few basil leaves. Mangia!