From Pasta Class to Quick Dinner: Unveiling the Secrets of Easy Ravioli Lasagna and Calgary’s Culinary Gems
Life in the culinary world is rarely dull, especially when a “crazy schedule” becomes the norm. Some days, this whirlwind pace makes everything more exciting, a constant source of new experiences and creative challenges. Other times, it just makes you yearn for a moment of quiet simplicity. This particular day, however, was a delightful blend of both – a testament to the vibrant, demanding, and utterly rewarding journey of food.
A Day of Dough and Delights: The Homemade Pasta Class
My morning began at the Cookbook Company, where I had the immense pleasure of co-teaching a homemade pasta class. This wasn’t just any class; it was an immersive experience guided by Lina deGaeta, a true master pasta-maker. Lina, the esteemed wife of the owner of the Italian Supermarket, possesses a passion and skill for pasta that is simply infectious. Learning from her is always a treat, as she effortlessly transforms flour and eggs into silky strands of culinary art, sharing age-old techniques passed down through generations.
The air in the kitchen was filled with the scent of semolina and the happy chatter of students kneading dough, their hands dusted white. We explored the nuances of various pasta shapes, from delicate tagliatelle to robust fettuccine, each created with care and precision. There’s a unique satisfaction in rolling out fresh pasta, feeling its elasticity, and seeing it transform from a simple mixture into something so versatile and delicious. Lina’s guidance ensures that everyone, from novice to experienced cook, leaves with newfound confidence and an appreciation for the craft.
Beyond the classroom, Lina and her husband’s Italian Supermarket, nestled on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 20th Ave NE, is a cornerstone of Calgary’s Italian community. It’s more than just a place to buy groceries; it’s a culinary institution, a hub for authentic Italian ingredients, and a warm, inviting space where tradition thrives. Their dedication to quality and genuine Italian heritage is evident in every product they offer, and it’s a place I frequently visit for inspiration and the finest provisions.
Calgary’s Best-Kept Pizza Secret
Speaking of the Italian Supermarket, I must diverge for a moment to share one of Calgary’s most treasured culinary secrets. While their shelves are stocked with an array of imported cheeses, cured meats, and pantry staples, it’s their pizza that truly steals the show. But here’s the catch: they only fire up their magnificent wood-burning oven on Saturday afternoons. This isn’t just pizza; it’s an experience.
When that oven reaches its scorching temperatures, magic happens. You can order your pizza exactly how you like it, crafted with real Italian ingredients that sing with flavor. Imagine a crust that’s perfectly chewy, delightfully bulbous at the edges, offering that quintessential char that only a wood-burning oven can impart. The sauce is bright and tangy, the mozzarella stretches just right, and every topping feels hand-picked for perfection. If you’re in Calgary and craving an authentic slice, mark your calendar for a Saturday visit to the Italian Supermarket. Trust me, it’s the best pizza in the city, a true taste of Italy right here in Alberta.
Lights, Camera, Ravioli: Behind the Scenes of “It’s Just Food”
My day was far from over after the pasta class. Tonight, my call time to the set of “It’s Just Food” was a rather late 10:30 PM, and we were slated to shoot all night. Preparing for a late-night production requires careful planning, which for me often includes a tactical nap to ensure I’m fresh and focused for the cameras. This particular shoot involved preparing a “beauty shot” – a perfectly styled, visually appealing dish meant to look absolutely irresistible on screen. And the star of this segment? A fantastic, fuss-free “lasagna” made out of fresh ravioli.
While the large, show-stopping version was being prepped for its close-up on television, I decided to assemble a smaller, equally delicious rendition for Mike and W. This ingenious idea, which I happily borrowed from a cookbook put out by Real Simple magazine, is a lifesaver for busy individuals who crave the comfort of lasagna without the lengthy preparation. It’s the perfect bridge between homemade charm and weeknight practicality, making it ideal for both on-set presentations and quick family dinners.
The Revelation: Easy Ravioli Lasagna – A Busy Cook’s Dream
For anyone who loves the hearty, comforting layers of a classic lasagna but cringes at the multi-hour commitment, ravioli lasagna is your new best friend. This dish is a true game-changer, offering all the satisfying flavors and textures in a fraction of the time. The brilliant simplicity lies in using pre-made ravioli (whether fresh from a specialty store like the Italian Supermarket or a good quality frozen variety) as the pasta layers. This eliminates the need to boil lasagna noodles, significantly cutting down on prep time and dishes.
The concept is straightforward: think of it as a layered casserole where ravioli replaces traditional lasagna sheets. You start with a base of your favorite pasta sauce – a robust marinara, a creamy Alfredo, or even a vibrant pesto – spread thinly at the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and infuses flavor from the first bite. Then, you arrange a single layer of ravioli, ensuring they’re nestled snugly side by side. Over the ravioli, you spoon more sauce, followed by a generous sprinkling of cheese. A combination of mozzarella for its meltiness, ricotta for its creamy texture, and Parmesan for its salty, nutty depth works wonders. You repeat these layers: sauce, ravioli, cheese, until your dish is full, typically ending with a final layer of sauce and a generous blanket of cheese for that golden, bubbly top.
The beauty of this dish extends to its versatility. You can tailor it to your preferences with endless variations. Experiment with different ravioli fillings – spinach and ricotta, mushroom, four-cheese, or even a spicy sausage. Each choice will impart a distinct flavor profile to your lasagna. The sauce can be customized too; add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, browned ground beef or Italian sausage, or a medley of herbs to your marinara. For cheese lovers, mix in provolone or a sharp cheddar for extra zest. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity, allowing you to transform simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort.
This ravioli lasagna isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a clever culinary technique for preparing a satisfying, impressive meal on the busiest of weeknights. It’s also fantastic for making ahead; assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking, or even freeze it for a future meal. When time is of the essence, but you refuse to compromise on flavor and comfort, this recipe from Real Simple provides the perfect solution, proving that delicious food doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
My (Unconventional) Dinner: Chocolate Zucchini Cake
After assembling the last of the ravioli lasagnas, my internal clock was completely thrown off by the upcoming late-night shoot. A quick nap had blurred the lines between afternoon and evening. Technically, it was “dinnertime,” but a full meal felt a bit heavy with a night of filming ahead. So, what did this chef, surrounded by delicious Italian food all day, choose for dinner? A wedge of frozen chocolate zucchini cake. And yes, I wholeheartedly declared that it counted as dinner.
Before you raise an eyebrow, let me justify my choice! After all, it does contain a vegetable – zucchini, cleverly hidden and adding moisture without tasting overtly “vegetable-like.” And it was made with canola oil, a healthy fat, right? In my book, that’s a perfectly acceptable, albeit unconventional, meal for a busy individual. It was sweet, satisfying, and provided just enough energy to get me through the upcoming nocturnal culinary adventure. Sometimes, even for those deeply immersed in the world of food, dinner can be a delightful, slightly eccentric indulgence.
Embracing the Culinary Chaos
This day was a microcosm of life in the culinary fast lane: the rewarding experience of teaching the art of homemade pasta, the excitement of an upcoming TV production, and the simple joy of creating a comforting meal, even if it’s a shortcut version. It highlights how we adapt, innovate, and find delicious solutions amidst the beautiful chaos of a passionate life. Whether it’s discovering the best pizza in Calgary or crafting an easy ravioli lasagna, every experience feeds the soul and fuels the next adventure.
So, the next time your schedule feels overwhelming, don’t despair over dinner. Embrace the wisdom of smart shortcuts like the ravioli lasagna, explore the culinary gems in your community, and remember that sometimes, a slice of chocolate zucchini cake is precisely what you need to sustain your spirit. Happy cooking, no matter how crazy your schedule gets!