Ravioli with Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce

Ravioli with Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce: "

This is one of those recipes that is perfect, perfect, perfect for those long days where everything goes wrong, but at the end of the day you still have to make dinner. It's simple and delicious and comforting and only takes 20 minutes, and that's including slicing up those cute little grape tomatoes at a very reasonable rate of speed.

(Why are they called grape tomatoes, by the way? Is it because they are shaped like grapes? That seems like too easy an answer. Please advise.)

Anyway, if you have some grape tomatoes hanging around, and a bag of frozen cheese ravioli in your fridge (and you should ALWAYS have an emergency bag of cheese ravioli in your fridge...trust me on this), you are twenty short minutes away from having a supper that will melt all your cares away. You saute a little bit of shallot in some olive oil, and then add in those halved grape tomatoes and about a cup of white wine. (Pour another glass of wine while you cook. It will help speed up the melting-away-of-cares process.). Let the tomatoes simmer in the wine for about five minutes, just until they are a just a little soft. In the meantime, cook up your ravioli. Once both the ravioli and the tomatoes are done, swirl a couple tablespoons of butter into the tomato-wine sauce, and then add the ravioli and stir lovingly. You're in a better mood already by now. Yes you are.

Now sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley, grind a little pepper on top, put on some jazz, light some candles, and all of the sudden it's a great night. This is guaranteed to work every time. Give it a try and see!

Ravioli with Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce, adapted from Real Simple

• 16 to 18 ounces fresh or frozen cheese ravioli


• 2 tablespoons olive oil


• 2 shallots, chopped


• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved


• 1 cup dry white wine


• kosher salt and black pepper


• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter


• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Cook the ravioli according to the package directions, drain, and return them to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes, wine, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and simmer until the tomatoes begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until it is melted into the sauce.

4. Gently toss the ravioli with the tomato mixture and parsley.

Print this!

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House with Two Courtyards

House with Two Courtyards: "

Notice the brick paver driveway and the attractive garage door. Antique shutters surround the front window, while an old bench sits out front. I love the copper gutters! To the right is the side garden which leads to the hidden front door.

Now that the West University Home Tour benefiting WU Elementary is over, for those who don’t live in Houston, homeowner Heidi Dugan is graciously letting us see these pictures of her beautiful house first published in Houston House and Home magazine. Dugan is a well known real estate agent in Houston, working for Greenwood King. She built this house several years ago using inspiration she got after traveling to France and Italy. The house is filled with antique architectural elements brought over from Europe which give the house its special feel. Interior Designer Ginger Barber sourced old and antique beams, flooring, shutters, and furniture from Houston dealers and also directly from Europe. While the house itself is outstanding, the outdoors really set it apart. There are two courtyards – one for dining and one that surrounds a small swimming pool. The front door, with its side entrance, is reached through antique iron gates, creating a third outdoor space.

The side garden behind a wood and iron door, leads to the front door. The pergola gives this space a room like feel.

In this picture of the foyer, you can see the iron railing on the gracefully curved staircase. Antique trumeau and candlesticks sit on a French console.

The living room, across form the entry, faces out to the front yard seen through the large arched window. Linen was used for the curtains and slipcovers. The contemporary coffee table is juxtaposed against a trio of antique chairs. Notice the gorgeous ceiling beams that came from France. The rug is the only bright pattern found downstairs which is mostly cream, ivory, and white.

The dining room has a beyond fabulous antique French chandelier. The table is Italian and the fabric on the chairs is Fortuny. Just gorgeous!

In the kitchen, antique beams were used for the crown molding. The island is an antique shop counter. The countertops are 17th century stones! Amazing! The floor is Portuguese tile.

Slipcovers and seagrass, a popular Houston look which Ginger Barber helped define. The star of the family room is the 17th century mantel. The antique beams found throughout are from Chateau Domingue. Out the doors is the “swimming pool courtyard” – one of two courtyards found on the property.

In the powder room, a stone trough becomes the sink. The trumeau and sconces are both French antiques.

The upstairs landing features a vignette with an antique console and a pair of balustrade lamps. What a great idea – blow up one family picture instead of having framed pictures spread throughout. Love that!

Heidi’s bedroom is all linen in beiges and sages. Hey - that rhymes! The desk is an antique. Notice the pair of lamps taken from old vases. I love the slipcovered bench at the end of the bed and the candelabra in the corner. The ceiling is vaulted and lined with beams.

The dining courtyard features a large limestone table and a mirror made out of an 19th century zinc French window. The landscaping is all green, mostly from box, bamboo, and vines.

The same space – here you can see the 18th century fountain set up on a wall made of 19th century stone blocks. I really love the pair of stone columns and finial. So pretty!

The second courtyard, off the family room, is where the swimming pool is. To one side is a draped pergola that creates an outside room.

Without the pet dog, you can see the courtyard better. I love the table and the draped banquette under the pergola.

Heidi Dugan, an real estate expert on West University and surrounding neighborhoods, works at Greenwood King and can be reached HERE. To read more about this house see the article in Houston House and Home HERE. All these beautiful photographs were taken by Miro Dvorscak. Visit his web site HERE.

The builders were Overstreet Builders. Helping with the plans was architect Travis Mattingly. Ginger Barber did the interiors and Thompson Hanson did the landscaping.

If you are going to be in Houston this weekend, its Urban Market time again! For more information, go HERE.

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INSPIRED DESIGN

INSPIRED DESIGN: "

You never know when or where you will be inspired by design. I try to walk as much as possible around the city and find inspiration in store windows, townhouse facades and this time of the year window boxes filled with spring flowers. I found inspiration on my recent trip with the beautiful Mayan inspired architecture at the hotel. The design could have easily become kitshy but the hotel used restraint creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Dark teak beams and antique wood chairs graced the lounge area peppered with comfy white sofas. The beautiful use of stone and wood set against the blue sea was near perfect. What inspires you today?

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So Mod

So Mod: "

Loving this modern, light-filled studio!

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City Chic...

City Chic...: "

When living in Atlanta I loved to visit one of my favorite shops, Stanton Home Furnishings. Tucked away on the West Side of town, it is one place not to miss in Atlanta. They often participate in designer showhouses and I always looked forward to seeing their space. I was thrilled when AH&L not only shared Stanton's city home, but his country home in the Georgia mountains. Check back tomorrow for the country charmer.

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