Back to the kitchen!

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I wasn't allowed to put any weight at all on my left leg for 10 weeks which is a very long time. The work that the surgeon did was successful and now I'm starting to get around my condo with the aid of a walker.

I've also started to do some cooking while hanging onto counters, etc. Last night I made a very simple supper but the salad was excellent and the pasta dish quite good as well.

Apple Spinach Salad

4 cups baby spinach
1 medium apple, sliced (I also peeled mine because I don't like apple peels)
1/2 small red onion cut into thin wedges
2 tablespoon roughly chopped dried tart cherries
1/4 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup blue cheese (about 2 ounces) or you could substitute feta

Thyme-Dijon Vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt

Put ingredients for dressing in jar and shake well. Use the amount you want on the salad.

Adapted from a recipe from Heart Healthy magazine

Mini Cheese Ravioli & Butternut Squash

1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed, you should have about 2 cups. More is fine.
1 package fresh mini ravioli (the original recipe called for cheese tortellini which I didn't have) *
2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large sprig of fresh sage (about 10 leaves) or 1-2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish if available

Steam squash until tender or cook in microwave for about 5 minutes with 2 tablespoons water. Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Drain & set aside.
Cook bacon strips until crisp. Drain on paper towel lined plate. Return skillet to stove with drippings. Melt butter in the skillet. Add sage and cook until butter browns. Remove sage and discard. If you use dried sage you won't need to discard it. Stir in wine, sugar and squash. Cook for 30 seconds. Add pasta and heat through. Top with bacon, salt, pepper and parsley.

* If you live in Wisconsin, Minnesota or Illinois, try using RP's Fresh Pasta which is a product made in Madison. They make lots of varieties and all of them are very good.

Recipe adapted from Cuisine at Home magazine

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