~Sassy Raisin Sauce~

Two of the Ingredients
in Sassy Raisin Sauce
(File Photo)

Enjoying slices of Baked Ham for a Sunday dinner is delicious! Some people like a slice topped with a sauce. For me, Sassy Raisin Sauce is such a delicious topping. The sauce can be prepared very quickly, too. Apple Juice, Raisins, Cornstarch and Butter/ Margarine are the needed ingredients. This topping comes together very quickly.

Sometimes, I go to my Spice Rack to get the container of Ground Cinnamon. A single shake of Ground Cinnamon adds an additional great taste to the sauce.  

Click here for the Instructions to prepare 2 and 1/2 Cups or a smaller amount like 2 servings of this very tasty sauce. 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Butternut Squash Ravioli- with Basil Craisin Topping

Butternut Squash Ravioli-
with Basil Craisin Topping

It's been so hot, so humid and so uncomfortable these past 3 days. Yup, we are in a heat wave.  Last night cheeseburgers on the grill sounded like a really great idea!  Topped with a slice of a local fresh tomato sounded even better!  Looking online at the weather I saw that our local weathermen warned us of a severe thunderstorm coming to our area.  Suddenly, the sky looked not so pleasant and there was a strong breeze.  Plans to enjoy that cheeseburger were put on hold and quickly a pot of water was placed on the stove to boil.  Luckily, I had a package of fresh Butternut Squash Ravioli in the fridge!  I boil it for 5 minutes rather than the 4 minutes that are recommended.  While suddenly the thunder and lightning was all around us, it took so little time to get dinner on the table along with a fresh fruit salad.  We sat down to eat.  Before we could take that first bite, our power went out.  About 8 hours later it was restored.

I add dried Basil, Craisins and Olive Oil for a great taste to the prepared Butternut Squash Ravioli.  Click here for recipe.   

It's always a great idea to have a package of quick to prepare Ravioli in the fridge.  You just never know when it will come to the rescue.  That cheeseburger with a slice of local fresh tomato?  Oh, it's on the menu for tonight!

We will Enjoy!
Yummy!
   

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins
(File Photo)

One just might believe that I forgot what our fave family dessert is in autumn!  That was not totally true!  I had been waiting for the McIntosh and Cortland apples to be available to purchase.  Then, suddenly, they were.  Naturally I purchased both varieties.  Then, for 2 weeks they sat in our fridge.  Waiting.  Every time I saw them it was a reminder. 

On Friday I finally baked Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins, of course.  It's the dessert that tastes sooo goood with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  It's also the dessert that has a great topping of oats and brown sugar.   Apple Crisp is just so so- without the addition of Raisins and Craisins (dried cranberries).

This is delicious!  Bake this treat after purchasing some McIntosh or Cortland apples.  If only one of the varieties is available- use it.  During the winter months I find in my area that Empire apples are available, so at that time of year I use the Empire apples.

Click here for my recipe!

Now that I've baked it, I'm sure that in about 2 weeks there will be plans for another.  It is a great dessert! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Sassy Raisin Sauce

Two ingredients in Sassy Raisin Sauce
Raisins & Apple Juice

Are you serving Baked Ham this Sunday for dinner?  If you are, Sassy Raisin Sauce is a yummy topping for the tender slices of Ham!  Filled with Raisins, it's an easy sauce to prepare at the last minute.  You probably already have the ingredients:  Apple Juice, Raisins, Cornstarch & Butter/ Margarine. 

Think Sunday- you are almost ready to serve dinner.  It's at this time that a tasty topping that comes together so quickly is needed!  What a great added touch!  And- it tastes so good. 

I also like to serve this topping over Butternut Squash Ravioli!

Sassy Raisin Sauce
Yield: about 2 and 1/2 Cups

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
2 Cups Apple Juice
2 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine
1 Cup Raisins

Method:

1. Place Cornstarch in small saucepan.
2. Slowly add in 1/2 Cup Apple Juice.
3. Stir, dissolving Cornstarch.
4. Then, add remaining Apple Juice to saucepan, stir.
5. Add 2 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine.
6. Add Raisins.
7. Stir constantly while cooking over medium heat.
8. Sauce will thicken & boil.
9. Boil & stir for 1 Minute.
10. Serve hot.

If a smaller amount is desired use directions above & the ingredients below-  

     For 2 Servings:  
     1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
     2/3 Cup Apple Juice
     About 1 Tablespoon Butter/ Margarine
     1 Handful Raisins

This is always a great addition to a Baked Ham Dinner!  Or as a Butternut Squash Ravioli Topping!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Happy Easter!!!

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Basil Craisin Topping

Butternut Squash Ravioli
with Basil Craisin Topping

It had been a while since I had enjoyed Butternut Squash Ravioli!  Too long!  Last month in my local grocery store there were packages of these yummy easy to prepare pastas.  Yes, the Butternut Squash Ravioli drought ended! 

Directions for preparing are on the package, but drizzling on Butter/ Margarine was not the option for me.  Suddenly, I remembered the Plumped Craisins in the fridge.  Butternut Squash & Plumped Craisins sounded like a great duo.  The dried Basil is always in my Spice Rack & Olive Oil for baking & sauteing is also ready to use.  Very quickly I learned that was a great combination for a topping!  Double yum!  So good!

Butternut Squash Ravioli 
     with Basil Craisin Topping

Ingredients:
(1) Bag fresh Butternut Squash Ravioli
Olive Oil for baking & sauteing
Dried Basil
Plumped Craisins

Method:

1. Prepare Ravioli following directions on package.
2. Add 1- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil for baking & sauteing in a 3 qt. pot.
3. Add cooked Ravioli to pot. 
4. Add about 1/8 teaspoon Basil.
5. Carefully stir Ravioli with Olive Oil & Basil.
6. Add about 1 Tablespoon Plumped Craisins.
7. Heat over Low for about 1 minute.
8. Serve.

After a busy day with no time to cook, what a tasty, easy dinner.  Add a fruit or veggie salad & your meal is quick!

Enjoy!
Yummy!