Not a bad way to start the year

[felis_sidus]

So, it's midnight on the first night of 2011, and I'm eating a big bowl of conchiglie with homemade Bolognese sauce based heavily on Ragu alla Bolognese Ricetta Antica from Lidia's ItalyWhy am I doing this? Because the sauce has another hour or two to simmer but I could no longer stand to wait until it's done. The smell was killing me with

Comments

[xiphias]

Yum.

[rebmommy]

my mouth is watering from your description - and I'm a vegetarian! do you think there could be some more substitutions, ie, veggie bacon? would definitely be a different recipe, but still tasty, I think - mmm... I want pasta! Happy New Year - may 2011 bring deliciousness and joy to us all.

[felis_sidus]

Happy Delicious New Year to you, too!

Two of the things that make this recipe special are the layering of flavors and its richness. So, yes, veggie bacon. You need something else "meaty", so maybe mushrooms, especially if you can get a couple of different kinds. Eggplant could add some depth. And some sort of veggie ground meat substitute for texture.

Or, go to Lidia's website and salivate over her many vegetarian options, like Butter and Fresh Sage Sauce, Walnut Pesto, Pear and Pecorino Ravioli, or Fresh Cavatelli with Cauliflower, Almonds, and Toasted Bread CrumbsShe made the walnut pesto on the same show as the Bolognese, specifically for vegetarians. It looked even better than the Bolognese, if such a thing is possible. That's actually what got me thinking about finding her recipes, and is the next dish I'm going to make for myself. Right after I finish inhaling the Bolognese. Or if I can bring myself to freeze some. Hmmm. Wonder how they'd do served at the same meal

[rebmommy]

all looks good! I remember the days we got together to bake tons of Christmas cookies - want to make some ravioli? have you ever done that?

[felis_sidus]

That would be fun! And no, I've never done it. We could learn together!