Figuring out the new normal around here has been a challenge. Over the last few years, I've become really good at cooking elaborate, time-consuming dinners for my family. Fresh bread at dinner was not uncommon, nor were comforting, simmer-all-day kind of meals. But then, I started working away from home again, and now I get home after 6pm, and even then I'm at the mercy of my girls' schedules. Dinner has become somewhat of an afterthought, and as a food blogger, that's a really, really tough pill to swallow.
My husband and I have spent some time brainstorming make-ahead meals, and we've come up with a plan that works for us. Most of our weekday meals require just about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, so we are still able to eat a good, homemade meal with minimal time investment. It's very important to us that even though we're in a time crunch in the evenings, we continue to focus on healthy meals with natural ingredients whenever possible. Which brings me to this recipe. It makes being at work all day worth it. Plus, it's brilliant.
Ravioli, made into lasagna? Seriously. Brilliant.
Since our family time is a precious commodity these days, we take advantage of dinnertime, and the entire family pitches in. The girls are old enough now that they can (and love to) help me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for the kiddos - the layering and cheese-sprinkling is a great task for little hands.
As far as convenience goes, you can't beat these awesome pastas from Monterey Gourmet Foods. They meet my high standards of flavorful, natural and high quality ingredients. In fact, Monterey Gourmet Foods takes great pride in their products, as dictated by their own, "Generally Natural Principles." They offer a wide variety of products, which all have distinct flavors and are perfect for a family on the go - especially a family with high standards. While you can use any flavor of ravioli you like for this recipe, for me the Spinach Ricotta Ravioli was perfect. I dressed it up with a little homemade alfredo sauce that I made earlier in the week.
Check out Monterey Gourmet Foods on Facebook for product information and awesome recipes, and be sure to visit their website, also. And then, enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card by leaving a comment below telling me what dish or sauce you'd serve with your Monterey Gourmet Foods Discovery Dish.
Good luck!
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 11/18/2013 - 12/16/2013.
Be sure to visit the Monterey Gourmet Foods' page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers' reviews and find more chances to win!
