My dear husband bought me a new cookbook this past weekend, Everyday Pasta by Giada De Laurentiis. Sadly, I was under the weather and couldn’t dive into it right away. But today, I finally got the chance! Knowing my passion for pasta, he picked the perfect book, and it did not disappoint.

Since I’m just recovering from a stomach bug, I didn’t want anything too heavy, so I found a recipe that fit the bill perfectly. Instead of homemade pasta, this dish uses wonton wrappers, which are light and significantly cut down on prep time. The result? A delightful ravioli that’s quick, easy, and satisfying.

I made some slight modifications to enhance the flavors, adding a bit of lemon juice to the butter sauce for an extra pop of freshness. My husband suggested incorporating shredded chicken next time, which I think would be an excellent addition.

From start to finish, this recipe took just an hour, with only five minutes of actual cooking time. If you prep ahead, it makes for a speedy and light pasta dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Prosciutto Ravioli Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Using wonton wrappers eliminates the need for homemade pasta.

• Light yet Satisfying: The delicate balance of ricotta, spinach, and prosciutto makes for a flavorful but not overly heavy dish.

• Customizable: Easily add shredded chicken or swap out ingredients to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Ravioli:

• 1 tub (454g) whole ricotta cheese

• 1 package frozen spinach, squeezed and drained

• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 2 large egg yolks

• 48 square wonton wrappers

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 3 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)

• Juice of 1/2 small lemon (my own addition)

• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, prosciutto, salt, pepper, and egg yolks. Mix until smooth. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer makes this process even easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Ravioli

• Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface.

• Place 1 teaspoon of filling onto each wrapper.

• Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water.

• Fold each wrapper into a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal.

• Arrange the ravioli on a cookie sheet as you work. This step can be done ahead of time—simply cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Step 3: Cook the Ravioli

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

• Drop in the ravioli, cooking in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

• Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce

• In a pan over low heat, melt the butter.

• Stir in oregano and lemon juice.

• Drizzle over the cooked ravioli.

• Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ravioli

• Prevent Dry Edges: Keep a damp towel over the wonton wrappers while assembling to prevent them from drying out.

• Seal Well: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.

• Avoid Overcooking: Wonton ravioli cook quickly—remove them as soon as they float to the top.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this light ravioli dish with:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• A fresh side salad with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette.

• Garlic bread for a bit of crunch on the side.

Final Thoughts

This Prosciutto Ravioli is a quick and delicious alternative to traditional homemade pasta, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The addition of lemon juice brightens the butter sauce, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy, savory filling.

Next time, I’ll be trying it with shredded chicken for a heartier variation! Have you made a similar ravioli before? Let me know how it turned out and if you made any tweaks—I’d love to hear your take!

If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade cinnamon bun recipe, look no further! These cinnamon buns are rich, gooey, and topped with the most decadent cream cheese icing. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or dessert, they’re sure to impress. This recipe has been perfected over time, making them better than Cinnabon!

Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Buns

• Gooey and Delicious – The perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter for a mouthwatering filling.

• Soft, Fluffy Dough – Using a basic bread dough ensures a tender texture.

• Decadent Cream Cheese Icing – Smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of tangy.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy them fresh or reheat for a warm, indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Dough

• Use a basic bread recipe (prepare in advance).

Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1-2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup crushed pecans

Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups icing sugar (confectioner's sugar)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Prepare your bread dough according to the recipe.

2. Once risen, remove from the breadmaker and roll it out on a floured surface to approximately a 6x15-inchrectangle.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

2. Spread the mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

3. Sprinkle crushed pecans on top of the filling.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

1. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log.

2. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.

3. Place the buns in a greased baking dish, leaving space for them to expand.

Step 4: Let the Buns Rise

1. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes in a warm place until they double in size.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with salt until smooth.

2. Add 1 cup of icing sugar and beat well.

3. Add vanilla extract and mix again.

4. Add the remaining 1 cup of icing sugar and beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. Whip for an additional minute just before spreading over warm buns.

Step 7: Ice and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon buns.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These cinnamon buns are a true labor of love, but the results are absolutely worth it. The combination of gooey cinnamon filling, soft dough, and rich cream cheese icing makes them irresistible. Perfect for holidays, weekend treats, or anytime you’re craving a homemade delight.

Pro Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat for 30 seconds in the microwave to enjoy them fresh again!

Sunday Morning Tradition: A Special Breakfast to Remember

There's nothing quite like waking up early on a Sunday morning to the smell of fresh, warm bagels straight from the oven. This weekend I made Montreal-style bagels, a nostalgic favorite from my university days. I had a house full flour, and fun as I whipped up a breakfast feast with bagels, cream cheese, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and cold cuts.

If you’re craving the sweet, chewy perfection of Montreal bagels and can’t find them locally, this easy homemade recipe will become your go-to. Whether you knead by hand or use a breadmaker, the results are absolutely delicious.

Ingredients List

Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 3 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 package (8g) dry active yeast (not instant)

• 1 small egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon malt drink powder or syrup

• 4 1/2 cups unbleached (or all-purpose) flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher or regular salt

Boil & Toppings:

• 6 quarts water

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds or poppy seeds (or both!)

How to Make Montreal Style Bagels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, canola oil, yeast, egg, and malt syrup until yeast dissolves.

2. Stir in salt and 1 cup of flour. Gradually add more flour (around 3 cups) until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rest

3. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes, adding flour as needed, until it's smooth and firm.

4. Cover with an inverted bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

5. Divide dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each into a 10-inch rope and form into a ring, pressing the ends together (use water if needed to seal).

6. Let the shaped bagels rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Boil with Honey

7. Fill a large pot with 6 quarts of water and stir in honey. Bring to a boil.

8. Boil 4 bagels at a time for 90 seconds, flipping at 45 seconds. Remove and pat dry with clean towels.

Step 5: Add Seeds and Bake

9. Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.

10. Sprinkle boiled bagels generously with sesame or poppy seeds.

11. Bake for 8 minutes, flip, and bake another 5–8 minutes depending on your oven. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Tips for Perfect Montreal Bagels

• Watch the Oven: These bagels bake quickly. Adjust times based on your oven.

• Get Creative with Toppings: Try everything bagel mix, dried onion, or even cinnamon sugar.

• Use a Breadmaker: Use the dough cycle for hands-off kneading.

• Boiling is Key: Don’t skip the honey water – it gives that iconic crust and sweetness.

Final Thoughts: Food, Family, and Memories

Bagels might just be flour and water, but when made with love and shared with family, they become something much more. I hope you give this recipe a try and create your own kitchen memories.