The Joys of Christmas Past

I know I said I wouldn’t blog today, but give me just a few more minutes and I won’t have–it’ll be tomorrow.  And let me tell you, that is a wonderful thought.  I love Christmas.  Love the songs and music celebrating the Savior’s birth, the family togetherness and thoughtfulness, the delicious and fun traditions.  But I find I also love the sigh of satisfaction and relief I get when the kids are back in bed for the last time that night and I realize Christmas is well and truly over.

Hooray!  There’s only so long I want to disrupt my life before I get back into the swing of routine.  After all, I like the rest of my life.  Why wouldn’t I be happy to get back to it?

This year we’re bringing a special new tradition away from Christmas.  Rather, a re-found tradition from Christmas Eve, if you want to get technical.  My dh is from St. Louis, and has a deep and abiding love for that local favorite, toasted ravioli.  In his family, toasted ravioli had a place of honor (especially amongst the teen boys, I suspect) and was enjoyed as a part of the delicious finger foods eaten buffet style on Christmas Eve.  This was a tradition, and one he’s mourned the loss of since leaving St. Louis.

But, no more!  We have located and now vetted a recipe for St. Louis Toasted Ravioli.  And, let me say, this is one tradtion we will carry onward.  Forget motzy sticks, doughnuts, hot wings, and crackers with sausage and cheese.  Christmas Eve has a new favorite.

St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
Submitted by: Barb
Rated: 4 out of 5 by 253 members
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings 

“The St. Louis style of preparing ravioli is unique and delicious. The ravioli is breaded, fried and served with marinara sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.”
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 egg
3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread
crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 (25 ounce) package frozen
cheese ravioli, thawed
3 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
cheese
1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti
sauce
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine milk and egg in a small bowl. Place breadcrumbs and if desired, salt in a shallow bowl. Dip ravioli in milk mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs.
2. In a large saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat until bubbling. Reduce the heat to simmer.
3. In a large heavy pan, pour oil to depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until a small amount of breading sizzles and turns brown. Fry ravioli, a few at a time, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with hot marinara sauce.
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4 Comments

  1. Reply

    Yum. Thanks for sharing. We used to do pizza for Christmas Eve when I was growing up. This year we got some excellent local BBQ. I’m not sure we’ve found something permanent yet, though…

  2. Reply

    Hey, BBQ sounds good, too. Our Christmas Eve tradition has been pretty set for years now–it was just missing the toasted ravioli. ‘Course, we won’t be reserving it for that one night…in fact, it’s sounding good for tomorrow. 😉

  3. Coleen

    Reply

    Thanks for the recipe. We have forgotten this tradition for several years now since we haven’t been able to find any in the stores. One year we actually found it at a Wal-mart Supercenter. My DH will be thrilled!

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