Ravioli is coming along

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Today was insane, a full-on marathon. What's going on in the world? Where is my husband? I think he's leaving again tomorrow. Am I library volunteer tomorrow? Yes. And apparently I am hosting the Italy table at Ol's international day on Wednesday. I gotta cut strips to make Italian flags. I gotta make some pizzas. Gadzooks, maybe it's good T's leaving as I'll be a'working tomorrow night. Presently, I am relishing the quiet here, happily ensconced in my ravioli making. The pasta dough is resting (I made a very slightly whole wheat egg pasta tonight), and for the stuffing, I did a simple garlic, olive oil, salt, lemon zest and LOTS o' greens cooked down and then combined with some young goat cheese. Isn't this pretty? It's pre-cheese but you get a sense...I'll post more pics later. Off to roll the dough.

Seeds are sown

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Literally. It's another gorgeous day here, so despite an annoying headache, I took myself outside and got busy planting rows of spinach, arugula, radicchio and a gorgeous butterhead lettuce variety. I can't wait to eat everything- have you ever picked lettuce and immediately made a salad? Nothing like it. Even if you've got just a small patch, really, even a large pot will suffice(!), pop some seeds in some nice soil in your sunniest spot and soon you will be glad you did. All these greens like cold/cool weather, so now's the time to sow. Likewise, if you've got a warm'ish, sunny windowsill, you can also get your herbs going inside. Get a spray bottle that shoots a fine mist (so you don't raze the seedlings when you water them), and keep the soil damp; when it's warm enough, you'll be ready to transplant these outside. Plant extra of the things you use often: parsley, mint, whatever floats your boat. Not only are they fresher when you pick right before using, I also find this to be quite cost-effective. Who wants to spend $1.99 on a bunch of organic parsley to watch some or most of it wilt and/or before you can get to it?

I'm really grooving on the idea of this mixed greens-goat cheese ravioli tonight. I might candy some lemon peel for a garnish...

Have I mentioned how nice it is to have a quiet house? Good lord, I love school days.