Ravioli with Bacon

This easy cheese-topped fresh pasta, vegetables and bacon dish is suitable for lunch or dinner. Recipe can be made 1 day ahead; keep, covered, in refrigerator. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

8 ounces (250 g) green beans, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
1 red capsicum (pepper), chopped
6 bacon rashers, chopped
8 ounce (250 g) fresh ravioli
1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly
1 ounce (30 g) butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Boil, steam or microwave beans, zucchini, celery and capsicum until tender. Add bacon to small frying pan, stir over medium heat until golden brown and crispy; drain on absorbent paper.
2. Add ravioli to large saucepan of boiling water, boil, uncovered, for about 12 minutes or until tender; drain.
3. Combine jelly, butter, oil and parsley in large saucepan, stir over medium heat (or microwave on High for 1 minute) until jelly is melted, add vegetables and ravioli, reheat gently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.

Creamed Cabbage

This easy side dish is simple to prepare. It can be cooked in advance and reheated at serving time. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

1/4 green cabbage
1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Method:

1. Thinly slice cabbage and simmer in water for a few minutes until tender. Drain.
2. Add sour cream, caraway seeds and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

Fruity Cabbage Salad

This easy cabbage and carrot side dish provides a variation to the standard coleslaw with a sweet and fruity dressing rather than a creamy mayonnaise. Recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:

4 cups cabbage
1 cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 cup pineapple, cut into chunks
1/3 cup lemon or lime juice
1/3 - 1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Method:

1. Thinly slice cabbage. Place the cabbage, carrot, chives, pineapple and pine nuts in a bowl.
2. Combine juices, oil, salt, pepper. Whisk until creamy.
3. Pour over salad and mix well.
4. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.