APPLE CABBAGE RAVIOLI IN A SAVORY HERB BACON BROTH

Steps:

• Apple Cabbage Filling -- In a large saute pan, add the butter and bring to medium high heat. Add the onion and saute until lightly brown, just 3-4 minutes. Then add in the cabbage, water, salt and pepper; cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring often. If needed, you can add a bit more water if it dries out. Finally, add in the apple and continue cooking (covered) for another 6-8 minutes until the apple is tender. Remove from the heat and let cool. Finally, add in the ricotta cheese and mix well until everything is combined.
• Ravioli -- Now, I use ravioli sheets which make this easy; and I made mine in triangles, but you can make squares if you prefer. Personally, I first cut mine in squares and lay all the squares out to make a little assembly line, this just works best for me. Then I add 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center, brush the edge with egg white, and then fold over to make a triangle. I use a fork to seal the edges. Make sure to seal them well. You can also just use your fingers to seal the edge too if you prefer.
• I like to lay mine out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then very lightly dust with flour; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cooking. I just think they cook better after then have been chilled. You can also freeze them and use at a later date which works great.
• Broth -- Start your broth as it will take a bit longer than the ravioli. In a medium sauce pan, add the bacon and saute on medium heat until golden brown, then remove to a plate lined with a paper towel to let it drain. In the same sauce pan, pour out the drippings and wipe clean. Add in the garlic, broth and thyme, and bring to a boil. Reduce and let simmer 5 minutes. Then mix the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry and stir into the broth. Bring back up to a light boil until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and add the bacon in and stir to combine.
• Ravioli -- As the broth is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a light boil (medium heat) and add the ravioli. They don't take too long, about 5-8 minutes. The ravioli will begin to float when they are done.
• Serve -- I prefer to serve these in a large bowl so you can have the broth. Add 4-5 ravioli per dish and pour over the broth and top with grated swiss if you like. The swiss really is a nice accent to the dish. ENJOY!