Butternut Squash Ravioli

Remember this post here that I tested out last week well a couple of you wanted the recipe so here it is:

For the filling:
2 Cups Butternut Squash, rind removed, cut into 1- inch cubes
1 Tablespoon Milk
1/2 Cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

{my version consisted of the 2 cups butternut squash with, 1/2 cup cottage cheese with chive.}

For Pasta:
2 Cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large Eggs
{ Incorporate the flour a little at a time. I did this "old school" by hand and only used 1 and 1/4 cups of flour. If you have a mixer I'm sure it will work just fine I just couldn't get that much flour to mix perfectly by hand.}

Directions:
Step 1: Make filling, heat the oven to 350 degrees, arrange the squash on a foil lined sheet and roast until tender {3o min, u could also boil it to speed up this step but the flavor changes a bit in my opinion} Allow the squash to cool 5 min, in a medium bowl blend the filling ingredients until smooth like mashed potato- texture. {also know that this can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container}
Step 2: make pasta! either old school, by mounding the flour in the center of a clean work surface, and placing a lightly whipped egg and salt mixture in the middle working in the flour little by little, or in a mixer start with the eggs and salt and slowly add the flour. mix until it pulls together into a smooth pliable ball.
Step 3:Have the dough then form each piece into a 1/2 inch thick disk, set aside and let them each room temp {30 min} although I didn't see this step and skipped it, but that's probably why mine turned out a little thick! {learning}
Step 4: Lightly flour your surface and roll out dough as thinly as you can and use a biscuit cutter of drinking glass to cut out discs, pair them in two. once you have your discs rolled out and paired in 2's use your finger dipped in water {or a pastry brush} and paint the perimeter of one round disc. Spoon your filling into the center {I just did it by eye so use your best judgment}
then place the other disc on top of it along the moistened edges. {use the tines of a fork to seal the edges.
Step 5: Bring a large pot of water 2 boil , add you ravioli {the ravioli will float to the top when ready between 3-5 min} top with your favorite sauce {I recommend a butter herb like sauce or and creamy pesto type sauce. I also served my ravioli with breaded chicken cutlets!}
Serve and Enjoy!

Ooohh, A Cake!

These are the words Brock exclaimed when he came downstairs and saw me playing with some diapers.
I was just starting a diaper cake for a friends surprise shower, and he must have remembered me making them before because I only had a few ready and he knew EXACTLY what it was going to be! He then proceeded to try licking the cake, but I stopped him before he could.
A diaper cake is my staple baby shower gift. I love making them they are so fun I also made a few burp cloths to go with it, and found some adorable booties at the gap for the new baby! and surprise no polka-dots. {I am obsessed with polka dots and usually find one way or another to included them in my crafty projects.} Actually come to think of it I think the card had polka dots on it so never mind!
Here's the final project all wrapped up and ready to deliver to the Mommy to be!
The cake contained baby ganics shampoo/wash, & lotion. {I love baby ganics!} 5 burp cloths in bright pretty colors, a pair of super soft leopard print booties, a floral crib sheet, a receiving blanket, and a fun outfit. All wrapped up with a bow!

Nicholas had fun playing on the stairs at the shower,
{Brock stayed home with Daddy} it was a good day!

Trying out a new recipe...

I found a recipe for butternut squash ravioli a while ago and placed it in my recipe book. The other day I found it and decided I wanted to try my hand at this new recipe. Although I changed it quite a bit. {I hardly ever follow recipes } I usually end up switching most of the ingredients to what I have on hand rather than going out to the store to buy a whole bunch of stuff to make one thing that may or may not turn out good.It took a little longer than I expected {rolling out the dough took forever!} It actually turned out pretty yummy. My ravioli was a little thick but other than that it all tasted great.

A clear view...

Yesterday Nicholas had his first ride in a forward facing car seat! He's been of age/ weight for a while, but I was waiting until his 1 year appointment with the doctor before I switched his seat around. And then after that happened it was too cold, and I had no desire to go out in the cold to turn the seat around. But I finally did, and he's loving it so far. Here are a few pics from yesterday's adventure:

A few new words.

This week Nicholas has learned a few new words. Juice {due to Brock being sick this past week and wanting a whole lot of juice} down, up and out!
Brock has also learned to read the word level. I don't have any idea where he learned that one, but reading is reading!

1 Year Stats.

23 lbs 5 oz, and just shy of 33 inches
Currently Nicholas is loving:
Food, Elmo, airplanes, playing with Brock's toys, and trying to shoot hoops like his older brother.
He loves to look out the window, especially at night when the lights are on. he says a few words Mommy/ mama milk, lights all dark, dada and of course Elmo. He also says "braaa" for brother/ Brock.
His third molar cut through this week and tooth total is up to 11. He has a new nickname "Piranha". Because he loves to bit us on the neck, foot, leg anywhere. And LOVES to pull hair. which we do not like and has got him sent to time out a few times already.
He loves to climb and finds it extremely fun to dance on top of the tables.
All in all our little guy is growing up, fast. We love him to pieces!