Day 287 - Artichoke Ravioli

David balks at the idea of artichokes.  Too much work to eat a whole one, and something turns him off about artichoke hearts (not sure what).  So we do not normally have them.  But last night he went to a play and I opted out.  Instead I went to, wait for it…  TRADER JOE’S!  Hahaha.  (I went other places, too, mind you, I do not live my whole life at Trader Joe’s).  while there I got some ARTICHOKE RAVIOLI and decided to have it ready for dinner when he came home and not tell him what was in it.  Here is his reaction:

Shhh, don't tell David what is in the ravioli...

David:  “These are great!  They were cooked apparently just the right amount of time.  The pasta is delicious and al dente.  They have a FILLING inside them that is sort of, cream cheese-y, ummm, full taste.  Maybe it is RICOTTA and something…  There is no SAUCE on them.  Normally I would think, “Oh, no sauce, I won’t like this”.  I mean, there is a little bit of parmesan and some mushrooms that we cooked but on its own it’s really VERY NICE.  I mean this really would be quite delightful with just some olive oil poured on it.”

AHAHA – GOT HIM!!!  He had no idea it was artichoke!!!  And he LIKED it a lot!

Tasty!!

I cooked little portabella mushrooms in olive oil and pumpkin seed oil and put those on top, along with more olive oil and pumpkin seed oil (which, if you have not tried it, is amazing).  Then I topped it all with freshly shredded parmesan. 

These raviolis are really nice.  They are “meaty” (with no meat) without being overpowering.  They taste clean, and fresh.  They would be good to eat outdoors on a summer night paired with a nice white wine. 

Dinner is served!  Artichoke Ravioli topped with mushrooms, olive oil, pumpkin seed oil, and parmesan
 with sides of fresh green beans and TJ's mashed sweet potatoes  

Trader Joe’s has a big selection of “fancy ass” fresh ravioli near the meat and cheese section.  We don’t try a lot of them and one reason is because I am never sure what to put ON them.  I asked a TJ’s employee who seemed pretty new and unsure (had never tried these) and she thought maybe just olive oil.  I think she got it right! 

These are priced really low for what you get.  Brands in other stores (like Buitoni) are more expensive and these are better.  These taste fresher and just overall nicer.

Seriously good price for what you get

Price – $3.49

Rating – 4.5

Day 186 - Gnocchi Italiani

This was our first time trying these gnocchi from Trader Joe’s.  On night one, we served them with Trader Joe’s Alfredo Sauce (glowing review of that on day 161).  The gnocchi were really good with Alfredo!!   The doughyness of the gnocchi blended well with the creamyness of the Alfredo sauce.

Here is gnocchi with Alfredo sauce, topped with pepper and parmesan with a side of zucchini and mushrooms

Cute package, in the pasta section (not refrigerated or frozen)

Last night we had the gnocchi again, this time with a (non TJ’s) red sauce.  I must say, Alfredo was a better topping for them.  Maybe the red sauce somehow competed with the gnocchi?  I am not sure what it was, but things tasted better with Alfredo.

These are really easy to cook – boil water and then throw these in for 2 – 3 minutes.  Seriously, could you get a faster meal??  You don’t even have time to cook your veggies if you do not plan ahead!  The package says it has 4 servings, which I would agree with, it worked out to 4 for us. 

Here is gnocchi being drained :)

David has proclaimed that gnocchi is the “Italian mochi”.  He does not usually like gnocchi, but found these delightful.  He says they are, “Like pillows of pasta, not heavy matzo balls of tastelessness”. 

Cheap and hearty meal

I think these are a good WINTER meal, since they are hearty and warm.  I will get more when the temperature cools down.

Price – $1.69

Rating – 4.25