Ravioli with Apples and Walnuts

1 pound cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 crisp apple (such as Braeburn or Gala), cut into matchsticks
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped Kosher salt and black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Cook the ravioli according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the apple, parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and toss to combine. Spoon over the ravioli and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

Beefy Ziti and Zucchini

2 cups uncooked ziti pasta (or other shape)
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey)
3 cloves garlic, crushed or chopped
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chunky tomato pasta sauce (any variety)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding zucchini during last 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet over medium heat, brown beef and garlic until beef is no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking beef up to ¾ -inch pieces. Pour off the drippings. Stir in seasonings and pasta sauce, mixing well. Drain pasta and zucchini; stir into meat sauce. Cover and cook about 2 minutes. To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is from the Essence magazine 2005 issue. I was prepared for strong opposition from the kids with this meal. I expected abandoned zucchini slices to sit at the edge of each plate after each finished meal. Suprisingly, I was proven wrong! Introducing my kids to zucchini was pretty successful. I can say that this one truly hit the spot.

Chili Con Carne

I have never made my only chili up until this day. Everyone enjoyed it so much that they rushed for seconds.The guacamole was pretty delicious too. I substituted the beef for ground turkey. FYI, a capsicum can be anything from a red bell pepper to a jalepeno pepper.

1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb/500g extra-lean beef mince
1 lb/500g medium-hot tomato salsa
15 oz/425g canned three bean mix,drained
1 bay leaf
1 green capsicum, finely chopped
1/2 cup beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

Gently fry the onion and garlic in the olive oil until softened. Add the mince and cook until it browns. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 40 minutes. Serve with corn chips, grated cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

Guacamole recipe: 4 avocados, 1 lime, 1/2 diced red onion, 1 jalepeno pepper and cilantro. Mix everything together and wala!