Celebrate Earth Day with Springtime Ravioli

Today isn’t just a National Day, it’s an International Day. Earth Day was created to bring attention to the environment, and our responsibility not only to ourselves, our children, our grandchildren, but to generations to come. Preserving our natural wildlife is important. Sustainable – that’s the real key.

Sustainable farming. Sustainable ranching. Sustainable harvesting of natural resources. Instead of taking up valuable land for Solar Farms, place those panels on parking structures. Instead of making yet another heliport on a sky-scraper, how about a garden instead? Set aside some of the black top play-grounds for growing herbs or turn vacant lots into urban community gardens. Somehow get city kids involved in a Four-H program, and farming kids into art appreciation. Create exchanges in viewpoints, and bring about sustainable changes in attitude. Why do we protect dolphins? Because we all love Flipper. It’s that simple, really.

Earth Day in the past has been a day for planting the garden. This year things have been a little wonky, as you can imagine. Still, we’ll do our part, share with our community and come together as a family to celebrate this crazy blue marble spinning ‘round the sun. Could there be a better day for Springtime Ravioli? I think not.

Springtime Ravioli
1 lb Asparagus
2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
4 Garlic Cloves
6 fresh Basil Leaves
Parsley for garnish
1 (20 oz) bag Cheese Ravioli
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Chicken Stock
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Parmesan Cheese for garnish

Snap off wooded ends of the asparagus, cut into 2-inch long pieces. Cut tomatoes in half. Peel and mince garlic. Stack basil, ribbon cut. Snip parsley, Set aside.

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ravioli according to package directions. Drain well, reserving half-cup of the pasta water. Keep ravioli warm

Warm oil in a large skillet. Add asparagus; sauté until tender-crisp and just beginning to char at the tips, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and garlic to the skillet, cook another 3 minutes or just until the tomatoes begin to release their juices.

Pour Chicken Stock into the skillet to create a sauce. Add lemon juice, bring to a simmer. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, until the flavors dance together.

Add ravioli to the skillet. Gently stir, bringing all the bright colors together. If more liquid is needed, add pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Transfer to a warm serving bowl. Garnish with basil and parsley. Serve with parmesan cheese tableside. Serve with a simple salad and warm garlic bread for the perfect springtime supper.

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All who believes in the Son has eternal life,
and I shall raise them on the last day, says the Lord.