White Bean Chili Soup. ~. Vegan

 

White Bean Spinach Soup

This is a recipe for a tasty but great soup high in nutrition.  Protein galore along with Vitamin K and the power points!  Great on these winter days!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
• 1 onion large, diced
• 1 celery rib sliced
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 yellow potato large, peeled and grated
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon thyme dried
• 1 19-ounce can white beans drained and rinsed
• 10-12 ounces spinach chopped, tough stems removed
• 1 tablespoon Italian parsley fresh, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1-2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Drizzle olive oil in a large stockpot set over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and celery, and saute for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
• Add the garlic and cook for barely a minute, stirring frequently.
• Add the vegetable stock, grated potato, bay leaf, and thyme.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add the white kidney beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Stir in the spinach and simmer for 1 more minute.
• Remove from heat and add lemon juice and parsley.
• Adjust salt and pepper seasonings.
• If using, garnish with cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Stuffed shells with Ricotta and Spinach.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

 A bit of preparation makes assembling these stuffed pasta shells with ricotta and spinach much easier. 

Let’s get started!  The Tomato Sauce: For this pasta dish, you’ll need about 3 to 3½ cups of tomato or marinara sauce. I usually use half of my quick tomato sauce recipe. If you prefer, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand.  

 Mise En Place                                                                                   Doing a little bit of prep work facilitates the assembling of these Italian shells. Let’s begin!                                                                         

The Tomato Sauce: For this recipe, you need a tomato or Marinara Sauce. You will need approximately 3-3½ cups. I used half of the amount of my Quick Tomato Sauce recipe. If it is more convenient for you, use your favorite commercial brand. 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a very large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt. Add about 24 -26 shells, a few at a time to prevent them from sticking together.

Cook according to the package instructions minus a few minutes since it continues to bake in the oven.

Prepare a clean tea towel on the countertop.

Cook the Pasta: 

Bring a very large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt. Add about 24 -26 shells, a few at a time to prevent them from sticking together.

Cook according to the package instructions minus a few minutes since it continues to bake in the oven.

Prepare a clean tea towel on the countertop.

When ready, remove the giant shells from the pot of boiling water.

Drain and place upside down on a clean tea towel to remove the excess water. Set   aside

The Meat Mixture: 

While waiting for the pasta to cook, sauté the chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until beginning to soften (3-4 minutes).

Add 2-3 cloves of chopped garlic, a few pinches of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes
stirring frequently.

Add the lean minced meat. Saute and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Turn the heat to medium-high. De-glaze pan with 2 tablespoons of white wine.

Drain the fat and set aside the meat to cool down.                

                               The Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl combine 2 cups fresh ricotta, 2 eggs, ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese, 1½ cups freshly grated mozzarella and 2 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley.  1 12oz bag spinach excess moisture removed.

The cheese filling is done.  It’s now time to combine all the ingredients 
together.

How To Assemble

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the oven grate in the center.

Using two spoons or a pastry bag with the bottom cut off, fill each of the 24-26 cavities with about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and cheese filling. As you can see, they are completely filled up.

Place about ½-1 cup of tomato sauce at the base of a 13 x 9″ baking dish. Tilt the dish so that the sauce coats the bottom evenly.

Place the cheese and meat-filled pasta shells facing up in the prepared dish.

Top with the remaining tomato sauce, reserving at least 1 cup. 

Place a piece of parchment paper over the top. Then, cover tightly with a piece of aluminum foil.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked through and bubbling.

Uncover both the aluminum wrap and the parchment paper and bake for another 3-5 minutes.

Remove the baked dish from the oven.

Garnish with reserved tomato sauce (heated), chopped fresh Italian parsley and extra grated cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy!  Serves 6 to 8.

Muhammara Dip. ~. Vegan

                                                           

Muhammara Dip

A simple, flavorful Middle Eastern Dip called Muhammara, with roasted peppers, garlic, parsley and pomegranate molasses (recipe below) , that can be made ahead! Serve with toasted pita or crackers. 

Ingredients
3 roasted red bell peppers ( from a jar, or roast and peel your own)
1/4 cup Italian parsley
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1–2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, more as needed (see recipe in the notes)
1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (or try Urfa Biber or regular chili flakes), and more to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1–2 teaspoons honey, more to taste
1 cup fresh walnuts, lightly toasted
1/2– 3/4 cup bread crumbs 

Garnish:

1-2 tablespoons olive oil, crushed walnuts, pomegranate seeds, Italian parsley leaves or mint leaves. Serve with warm pita bread or crackers.

Directions
If using canned roasted peppers, rinse and pat dry well. Place all ingredients except the walnuts and bread crumbs into a food processor, and repeatedly pulse until chopped and combined but not completely smooth. Leave a little texture.

Add toasted walnuts and bread crumbs and pulse until combined, but again, not too smooth.  If it seems dry or thick, add a little more olive oil as needed.

Taste and adjust salt, honey and chili flakes to your liking.

At this point feel free to refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days ahead, allowing flavors to meld and enhance.

Before serving, bring to room temp. Place in a medium bowl. With the back of a spoon make a circular well in the dip and drizzle olive oil into the well. Top with more crushed toasted walnuts, fresh pomegranate seeds and a few parsley or mint leaves. Serve with warm toasty pita or crackers.

Note

To make 1/4 cup of pomegranate molasses, place 1 cup of 100 % pomegranate juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice into a small pot on the stove. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer gently over medium-low or low heat, uncovered, until it has reduced all the way down to 1/4 cup. The more gently you simmer, the less bitter it will be. It will thicken as it cools.

Summery Succotash Salad

Summery Succotash Salad

Ingredients:
¼ small red onion, finely diced
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 ears of corn (white or yellow), shucked
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 bunch scallions, (Green Onions), trimmed of root ends, finely minced
1 basket multi-colored cherry tomatoes, quartered
3 cups cooked, drained lima beans, 
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling on salad before serving
1½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 bunch basil, leaves picked
2 Tbsp. finely chopped Italian parsley

Directions:
Combine the diced red onion and red wine vinegar in small bowl and let macerate for at least 15 minutes.

Cut the corn kernels from the cobs, discarding the cobs.

Place the 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the corn kernels and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until just cooked. Spread out onto a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the red onion, corn, scallions, cherry tomatoes, lima beans, extra virgin oil, salt and pepper and stir together. Just before serving, thinly slice the basil leaves and stir into the salad. Taste for seasoning, adding additional salt and/or vinegar, if needed. Drizzle with the additional extra virgin olive oil and top with the chopped parsley.

Serve room temperature or chilled.  Serves 4

Brandy Rose Cocktail ~ Vegan Tahini And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

                                         

Brandy Rose Cocktail  Vegan Tahini 

And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

A Jack Rose cocktail is traditionally made with American apple brandy. This flexible recipe is lovely with grape brandy, or even premium Cognac, and stays chilled and looks dramatic poured over colorful flavored ice.   Try this drink at cocktail hour alongside our creamy vegan Tahini and Eggplant “Bacon” Dip, garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds.  Dip recipe follows. 

Ingredients:
8 oz or more of pomegranate-blend juice (such as cranberry-pomegranate) for colored ice (optional)

3 oz brandy
2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 oz grenadine 
Lemon twists for garnish

Directions:

1. For flavoured ice, at least 1 day before serving, pour juice into moulds and freeze overnight, or until solid. 

2. When ready to serve, fill a cocktail shaker with plain ice cubes then add brandy, lemon juice and grenadine, and shake for up to 30 seconds, or until the shaker is icy-cold. 

3. For each drink, pour half of the mixture through a fine cocktail sieve or wire strainer into a coupe glass. Or, if using flavoured ice, place ice in the bottom of two coupe or rocks glasses and pour half of mixture through a fine cocktail sieve or metal strainer into each glass. 

4. Garnish each drink with a lemon twist and serve.  Makes 2 drinks

Tahini And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

This Middle Eastern plant-based dip gives the smoky flavour and crunch of bacon but in a creamy, satisfying vegan dip. Top with parsley and pomegranate seeds for a fresh, light holiday garnish. Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
Eggplant Bacon
½ medium-size eggplant
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 mL) tamari
1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 mL) liquid smoke
1 tsp (5 mL) smoked paprika
½ tsp (2 mL) fresh ground pepper
DIP
½ cup (125 mL) tahini (sesame paste)
½ tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, fi nely minced
¾ cup (175 mL) water
3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp (15 mL) Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Garnish
2 tbsp (30 mL) pomegranate seeds
1 tbsp (15 mL) Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions: 
1 For eggplant bacon, preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 Cut eggplant in half again lengthwise. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice eggplant into very thin strips, about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Place in a single layer on baking sheet.

3 In a bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients to make sauce. Brush each side of eggplant with a generous amount of sauce. Bake in oven for 30 to 40 minutes until eggplant is dark brown and crisp.

4 Remove from oven and cool slightly. Finely chop eggplant bacon and set aside.

5 For dip, add all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until creamy. Mix in finely chopped eggplant bacon, reserving 1 tbsp (15 mL) for garnish. Refrigerate dip for at least 30 mins.

6 When ready to serve, garnish dip with the reserved 1 tbsp (15 mL) of eggplant bacon, pomegranate seeds and parsley. Serve alongside Crispy Baked Root Vegetable Skins (recipe below). 

Serves 4 to 6


Crispy Baked Root Vegetable SkinsNot only are root vegetable skins filled with nutrition, they save on food waste. These skins are absolutely delicious when lightly seasoned and baked. Every time you peel carrots, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes or ginger, use a sharp peeler to peel wide pieces and place peels in a bowl stored in the refrigerator. These peels can be stored for up to 5 days with the exception of the russet potato peels, as they turn brown in color and should be used right away.
Ingredients:
Skin of 2 large red beets
Skin of 3 large parsnips
Skins of 3 large carrots|
Skin of 3 large sweet potatoes
Skin of 3 large russet potatoes
Skin of 1 large ginger root
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) sea salt
½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1 Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel root vegetable skins into wide pieces.

2 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

3 In a large bowl, toss vegetable skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until skins are crispy, occasionally checking and tossing for even crispiness.

4 Serve warm or at room temperature with dip.  Serves 4 to 6

Salmon Risotto ~ Parsley Walnut Pesto

Salmon Risotto

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup minced shallots, or yellow onion
2 cups risotto rice (see above for varieties)
1/2 cup Marsala or white wine
6 cups salmon stock, or low-sodium chicken stock
6 ounces flaked, cooked salmon
3 tablespoons pesto
Black pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat the butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add the minced shallots and sauté, stirring often. When the shallots are soft, add the rice and stir well. Cook, stirring often, a few minutes, then add the Marsala or white wine. Stir constantly until the liquid has mostly evaporated. 

Start adding the stock 1 cup at a time, stirring it in well. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook this, stirring often, until the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Repeat with another cup of stock, and so on until the rice is tender, but still a little al dente. It's possible you will need another cup of liquid. If this is the case, use water. 

Once the rice is about ready, stir in the salmon and the pesto and cook another few minutes. You want your risotto to be loose enough to serve in a bowl, not a plate, so add water if need be. Grind some pepper over it and serve.  Serves 4

Notes
Keep in mind this works just as well with trout or char.
Keys to Success  When you add the stock or water, it needs to be at least room temperature, or warm. So if you want to speed things up a little, put all the stock in another pot and bring it to the steaming point.
It is the stirring that makes good risotto. No getting around it. No matter what someone may tell you, you need to stir risotto to get that starchy creaminess. Comes with the territory. 

As I mention above, the salmon or trout can be leftover, smoked, poached or whatever. I rarely cook salmon just for this recipe.
Any pesto will do. Store-bought basil pesto is nice and easy, but if you can make it or find it, a parsley-walnut pesto goes better with the salmon.

Parsley Walnut Pesto

Ingredients:

3/4 cup walnuts, pecans or pine nuts
1 cup chopped parsley, tightly packed

1/2 cup finely grated pecorino or Parmigiano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped
Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Put all the ingredients except for the oil into a large mortar and grind to a stiff paste. Once everything is pretty well ground, drizzle in about a quarter of the olive oil and grind it into the pesto. Repeat with another quarter of the oil and then another, until you have incorporated all the oil into the pesto.

Alternately, you can put everything but the oil into the bowl of a food processor. Buzz the mixture while slowly drizzling in the oil. The more oil you use, the more like a sauce and less like a condiment your pesto will be. 

When the pesto is coming together, taste for salt, and add if needed. Serve your parsley pesto right away, or put in a covered container with plastic wrap set down right on the top of the pesto to keep out air. This help keeps the color nice and bright. Use within a couple days, or freeze for up to 6 months.  10 Servings

 

Brown Rice And Mushroom Casserole

Brown Rice and Mushroom Casserole

Easy and satisfying, this brown rice casserole works just as well as a main dish as it does a side.  Sautéed mushrooms make it savory, and low fat cream cheese adds a creamy richness.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoons olive oil

8 oz. white mushrooms

1 small onion chopped, about 1 cup

1 teaspoon dried thyme 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups cooked brown rice

4 oz. low fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sliced, toasted almonds

2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

Directions:

Heat oven to 400*F.  Spray 1 quart baking dish or 9X5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. 

 

Heat oil oil 10 inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently for 4 or 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Add onions and continue to cook, stirring for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened.  Add the thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute.  Remove from heat and stir in rice and cream cheese until well combined.  Transfer to baking dish.  

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is hot.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  Garnish with almonds and parsley and serve.

Grilled Chicken With Italian Salsa Verde

                               

                               Grilled Chicken With Italian Salsa Verde

Grilled Chicken with Salsa Verde (an Italian herby caper sauce) – a simple easy weeknight meal perfect for supper on the patio!

Ingredients:
4–6 pieces of skin-on, bone-in chicken – thighs or breasts (or cut up a whole chicken)
kosher salt and pepper to taste 

Italian-Style Salsa Verde

1 cup Italian parsley ( packed, tender stems ok) feel free to sub part basil
2 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 Tablespoon capers
1 Tablespoon caper “juice” from the jar
1 anchovy ( optional)

Add olive oil after above ingredients are chopped.  See note
⅓ cup olive oil plus more for cooking
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste  

Tuscan Tomato Salad
2 lbs heirloom tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
scattering of herbs (optional)

Directions:   

Preheat grill to medium-high and oven to 350 F.

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

On a well-greased grill, grill chicken over medium heat until good grill marks appear on both sides covering the grill. Place chicken in 350 F. oven, uncovered until cooked through 10-15 minutes, depending on the cut. (Use a thermometer. 160F for Breasts and 170 F for thighs.) 

Feel free to keep on the grill, in a cooler spot until cooked through.

While chicken is grilling, make the Italian Style Salsa Verde.

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse, repeatedly, about 15 times, until chopped and just combined – but NOT smooth. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Fall One Pot Meal

Fall One Pot Meal

Ingredients:

4 oz. bacon, cut into ¼-in. cubes
8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, cut into ½-in. wedges
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs.), skin on
½ tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbs. sunflower oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ cup (4 oz.) dry white wine
1 cup (8 oz.) chicken stock
10 fresh sage leaves, tough center rib removed, leaves coarsely chopped
1 cup farro
2 cups ½-in. cubes butternut squash
½ medium cauliflower, outer leaves removed, cut into 2-in. florets
¼ cup tightly packed coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions:
Heat an 11-in, skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the bacon. Once the fat starts to render, add the mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms begin to brown. Transfer the bacon and mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.

Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the oil to the skillet and swirl around. Then add the chicken, skin-side down. Cook on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the wine and reduce by half. To the skillet, add the stock, sage, farro, and the chicken and any accumulated juices, and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 14 minutes. Then add the squash and cauliflower and cook until the veggies are fork tender, 14 to 16 minutes. Stir in the reserved mushrooms and bacon. Garnish with parsley and serve.     Makes 4 servings

Pro Tip:

You can substitute the sunflower oil with any other neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola.

Add coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts for an extra crunch.

Mushroom Ravioli With Pancetta And Red Onion

Mushroom Ravioli with Pancetta and Red Onion

*You can use whatever combination of fresh mushrooms you like.

Using a Ravioli Mold is the easiest method to make ravioli.  Also, you will need pasta rollers, a couple of rimmed baking sheets, a small pastry brush, a rolling pin and a fluted pastry wheel. 

makes 36 ravioli (serves about 6)

for the Pasta:
3 extra large eggs
2½ cups All Purpose flour (approximately)

* for the Mushroom Filling:
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup diced red onion
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems cut off and caps chopped
4 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
¼ teaspoon onion powder
couple of pinches of coarse sea salt
a few grindings of freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces Parmigiano cheese
¼ cup mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese)

for the sauce:
4 ounces pancetta, diced (Italian unsmoked bacon)
4 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ cup minced red onion
freshly ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
grated Parmigiano cheese for serving

Make the pasta (I give you three different methods to make the pasta):
Food processor method:  Place the eggs in a food processor and pulse twice.  Add 2 cups of the flour and pulse until blended.  Keep adding the rest of the flour until the dough gathers up into a ball.  If the dough is still sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time and pulse, until the dough gathers up and is not so sticky. Remove dough and place on counter.  Knead until the dough is still moist but does not come off on your hands. If it does, add a dusting of flour until it doesn't stick to your hands. Place in a floured piece of plastic wrap and let rest on the counter for at least 20 minutes.  

Automatic Mixer method: Place the eggs in the bowl of an automatic mixer and blend with a fork.  Attach the dough hook attachment to the mixer and add 2 cups of the flour.  Mix with the dough hook until blended.   Keep adding the rest of the flour until the dough gathers up into a ball. If the dough is still sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time and mix until the dough is not so sticky. Remove dough and place on counter.  Knead until the dough is still moist but does not come off on your hands. If it does, add a dusting of flour until it doesn't stick to your hands.  Place in a floured piece of plastic wrap and let rest on the counter for at least 20 minutes.   

Hand method:  Place the eggs in a medium bowl and blend with a fork.  Add the flour, a cup at a time, and keep blending until the dough gathers together.  Keep adding the rest of the flour until the dough gathers up into a ball. If the dough is still sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time and mix until the dough is not so sticky. Remove dough and place on counter.  Knead until the dough is still moist but does not come off on your hands. If it does, add a dusting of flour until it doesn't stick to your hands.  Place in a floured piece of plastic wrap and let rest on the counter for at least 20 minutes.  

Make the Filling:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add the red onion, mushrooms and seasonings and saute over medium low heat until soft, about 15 minutes, stirring every now and then.  Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Place the Parmigiano cheese into a food processor and pulse until finely ground.  Add the the mushroom mixture and pulse.  Add the mascarpone cheese and pulse until finely blended.  Taste and adjust for salt, adding more if needed. 

A ravioli mold makes easy, uniform ravioli . . . 

 brush water between the filling . . .

 and lay the top sheet of pasta on slowly, allowing any air bubbles to escape

Assemble the Ravioli:
Take the pasta and cut into thirds.  Take a third of the dough (keep the remaining dough until plastic wrap) and place through pasta rollers at the widest setting.  Keep rolling the dough through the pasta rollers, narrowing the rollers until the pasta is about ⅛ inch thick (#5 on my KitchenAid rollers).  Cut the pasta sheet in half - each half should be slightly larger than the ravioli mold.  Flour the inside of the ravioli mold and place pasta sheet on top.  Press the sheet slightly into the mold indentations.  Using two spoons, place about a teaspoon of filling into each indentation. Take a small pastry brush and dip the brush into water and wet the pasta in between the filling indentations. Place the second pasta sheet on top and lay it down, squeezing out any air as you go.  Run a rolling pin over the pasta to press together.  Flip the mold over and remove the ravioli.  They will not be separated. Take a pastry wheel and separate the ravioli.  Place the fresh ravioli on a floured rimmed baking sheet. Loosely cover with plastic wrap while you make the remaining ravioli. You can place the covered ravioli in the refrigerator unti you are ready to make the sauce and serve. 

When all the ravioli are finished, make the sauce.

Make the Sauce:
In a large frying pan, saute the pancetta until crisp.  Remove the pancetta and the fat and let drain on paper towels. Do not wipe out the pan.   Add the butter, olive oil and red onion and saute slowly until the onion is soft. Turn off heat. 

Bring a large pot of water to boil, using  a pasta insert if you can. Have a large serving bowl ready.  Add half of the fresh ravioli to the boiling water and reduce heat until the ravioli is just simmering (you don't want to boil them vigorously  because they can break).  Simmer gently for about 2 minutes and remove from the water and let drain, using the pasta insert.  Place the ravioli in the serving bowl. Cook the other half of the ravioli and place in the serving bowl.  Add the sauce and toss gently until well coated.  Add a few grindings of fresh black pepper and the chopped parsley and blend.  Add the grated cheese and serve.