Dishin’ With Denise… Holy ‘Casseravioli’

    Around the globe The Easter Holiday is synonymous with religion, faith, great family celebrations, and great food preparations. After the long cold winter it is also “Springtime” I will always remember and keep my beloved Italian heritage alive, as well as incorporating our wonderful American traditions~ therefore giving me the best of both continents! 
    Here is a new take on water boiled, possibly soggy ravioli~ make this ravioli casserole, a hearty, well-structured casserole with fresh made ravioli, marinara sauce, sausage, fresh mozzarella,  ricotta, fresh herbs and texture with unbeatable flavors that harmonize together. 
This is Italian food at its best~ enjoy all the finest elements of a Blessed Easter! xoxo Denise

Make your homemade marinara meat sauce. 
1 large Vidalia onion diced
2 large cloves of garlic minced
2 large cans of imported San’ Marzano whole tomatoes
1 large fresh bunch of basil
1 large fresh bunch of parsley
2 (12 count) boxes of fresh ravioli (frozen) can be found at any Italian specialty store. I went to Giuseppe’s.
1 lb. fresh mozzarella
1 lb. fresh ricotta (can be found at Giuseppe’s)
Grated fresh Locatteli cheese
Pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh black pepper and sea salt
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
6 sweet links of Italian sausage, 6 links of hot Italian sausage (decase both for browning up the loose meat in frying pan).

    Sauté onion in olive oil until caramelized, golden and soft. Add garlic for 2 minutes, remove and place aside. In frying pan add sausage meat and brown and break down until crumbled. Put aside. Now add onion, garlic and 2 cans of tomatoes (1 blended and 1 hand squeezed) Cook on med/low for 30 minutes add a handful of chopped basil reserving the rest for garnish. Add 2 T of chopped fresh parsley. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh black pepper and sea salt to taste. Add the sausage meat and stir through. In a casserole dish layer bottom of pan with fresh marinara sauce then place frozen ravioli in dish close to each other, sprinkle a few spoons of grated cheese and sprinkle with fresh mozzarella. Now top with sauce and double layer with ravioli~ depending on size and amount of ravioli. Reserve some sauce for serving. Sprinkle with grated cheese and the rest of the fresh mozzarella. Place in 350 degree oven or refrigerate till ready.  
    Bake for 25~30 minutes. Take out and let sit for 5 minutes, place spoonfuls of the fresh ricotta on to casserole, sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately! 
    Enjoy that gooey goodness and remember casseroles allow you to use your own imagination (can place small meatballs, or add fresh spinach? Either way …Delicious!