Strange Fruit

Are we getting a bit too creative with how we grow our fruits and vegetables? Lately the old standards, especially grapes and tomatoes are not what they've been for millennia. It seems their genes have been tinkered with - to create - monster fruit?

I've noticed this with a new kind of grape the tear drop.

They 're supposed to be tear drop shaped but look like dark purple ancho chilis. In fact they were first branded as chili pepper grapes but that confused consumers. Buyers thought they would be spicy and sweet   which was wrong. The name was quickly changed to finger grapes. Again,people didn't

 like the idea of naming them after body parts.. Unlike other grapes, they can be split open to be filled with salty cheese. Tear drop grapes can also be grilled with lemon juice and oil. They are also good gracing poultry , duck and pork along with any kind of nut. Pop them in vanilla yogurt for a different kind of dessert or snack.They first came into being in 2002.

Another strange fruit is 

these multicolored grape tomatoes that look more like grapes than actual grapes. They a mix of cocktail, cherry and grape. They're greenhouse grown in Mexico and have a variety of flavors, from  very strong tomato-y to mild , sweet fruity flavor. They're a fun low calorie snack that only need a dusting of sea salt. These are for those who are already bored with the ripe , rich taste of regular grape and cherry toms. They can be used in salads, but I've put them in Aldi's pasta Alfredo, to give it some acidity. You could halve them and put them in omelets, or pair them with 

stale Italian or French bread, minced garlic, , olive oil for a spin on Neopolitan bread salad. They also can be used in any kind of kabob for color and taste.

These are strange fruits indeed. Yet they 're fun to eat and experiment with in old and new recipes. Try them for something different.

The Versatility Of Ravioli

Ravioli is one of those pastas everyone loves.Unlike others pastas it's versatile in flavors and shapes. Not only that but i talways tastes good. You can serve it a variety of ways and it'll still be the star of the week.

Most people make the little stuffed squares the traditional way. Plain or beef filled are good with a hearty marinara or traditional Neapolitan sauce consisting of both beef and pork . However ravioli with a lighter stuffing, of say, spinach can go with a fresh made tomato sauce with just picked tomatoes and olive oil. For pumpkin or squash filled ones think a light butter and sage sauce .This brings out the taste and sweetness of the filling. Seafood filled raviolis such as those stuffed with lobster or crab are excellent with a creamy vodka or fiery arrabiata sauce.

Raviolis are also good in soup. There;s nothing as filling or satisfying as a broth filled with cheese or meat stuffed baby ravioli. It makes for a nice dinner on a cold winter;s night,. Another way is fried ravioli. This has been a restaurant trend for the past several years. Just fry them up as you would dumplings and then serve with a variety of sauces. Most eateries serve them with marinara and even ranch dressing but you can also add an Asian spin by with soy and ginger sauces.

Raviolis are so versatile and fun you can have them in so many different ways. They're good the traditional way with a hearty sauce but you can also opt for them fried or in soup. Enjoy them any way. They're always delicious!