Hello!
Had a TERRIFIC four mile run after work today! The hills trail was alive with the sound of music nature! The calling birds, the rustling leaves, the croaking toads – it was wonderful. 
50% of the reason why I don’t listen to music when I run is so I can be one with nature (ohhhhm!) In a world full of distractions – it’s a welcomed and beloved escape for me.
The other 50% is because running to music makes me go slower than my natural pace, and we can’t have that. How would I pass by men that way? Muwahahaha.
In other news, dinner tonight was so special – Buitoni Riserva Quattro Formaggi Agnolotti aka 4-Cheese Ravioli!
This meal took 10 minutes to assemble and had only three major ingredients. THREE!
First up – the rav. Foodbuzz & Buitoni sent me a coupon to try a product from Buitoni’s Riserva line, which is described as “premium pasta pillows generously filled with enticing, all natural ingredients.” Fanc-EE! 
I chose the aforementioned Quattro Formaggi Agnolotti, which is a savory blend of four cheeses and fresh garlic. omg.
These babies aren’t “good” for you, by any means, but they’re a special treat…and they were free…so I dug in. 
Each ravioli was about the size of a dollar bill folded in half, and were super plump with the premium cheese blend.
I knew locally-made Gino’s would be the perfect compliment to the cheesy ravioli. Simple, savory and tastes JUST like homemade.
To get some nutrients in there, I sautéed some baby spinach in a dash of extra virgin olive oil and chopped garlic.
Agnolotti up!
After the first bite, it was determined…TOTALLY BIG FORK WORTHY! (ps reader Tamra told me that Pier 1 sells the fork & spoon!)
Cheesy, chewy and sooooo savory delish. I could have eaten the whole package! Definitely 2 thumbs up to these raviolis. They’re a splurge for sure, but totally worth it!
I have several things on my plate tonight including:
1. Return emails and questions from you fine people.
2. Start on a cookie order.
3. Read.
4. NEW KATHY GRIFFIN SPECIAL ON AT 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER! Suprised?
I’ll give you my initial thoughts on Laura Bush’s memoirs soon!
‘night!
~~~~~
Do you buy locally made products? What are some of your faves?
I LOVE Gino’s, obvi, but also have a soft spot for Bisignanos Italian Dressing and Graddy’s Salsa!
I love KG too!!! Funny~~~ Her mom is a riot too. But yes, I am surprised because she really makes fun of … everyone!
Well, I love the fork! But I only love it cause its yours and the way you use it!
Dinner looks good, tonight I am having sliders! Home made yummo!
I love 3 ingredient meals! Wish I could actually bring myself to limit to 3 ingredients, but the idea always has me interested. Even when I make PB&J, I tend to add 10 more things into the mix for this so called “simple” meal. Oh well.
Sounds like you had a great day Kristin. Hope tonight is productive but relaxing.
i love those buitoni pastas!!
I love to buy local whenever possible. We have this white garlic sauce (secret ingredient-applesauce) that is made nearby and is definitely one of my faves right now!
YUM. I need to buy some of that ravioli!
I just started the Laura Bush book today. I am currently 27 pages in and so far I really like it!
I can’t run with music either! It definitely distracts me from running to my best ability rather than helpi me get through it. I like to use it as my thinking time.
The ravioli looks delish, such a great splurge!
You’ve got me hooked on Graddy’s salsa. It’s so good!
lol
PS: I just checked out Pier 1′s website to look for those spoons out of curiousity and they have greeeat clearance on there! I always thought Pier 1 was way overpriced, but they’re markdown section is a pleasant surprise!
PPS: As much as I would love to copy you and get the big spoon and fork, I have no wall space for them, so I just admired them.
Yummmmmmm! Ravioli! Delicious.
And I have to say – when I’m hiking in Griffith Park, I don’t listen to my headphones, either.
I was running up Notting Hill yesterday and someone came out of the underground tube station with your giant spoon and fork!! It reminded me of Iowa.. and then of the great white north we call the Minne =)
Just started American Wife . . . LOVE IT! Thanks for the recommendation!
I run with my dad, so we don’t do music, but when I am by myself I do enjoy some tunes. Living in the country I can play mean air drums & no one will see me
Going to Adel this weekend & will be hitting up the farmer’s market on Saturday Morning! Going to have to get me some goat cheese!
Oh….my…..gosh!! Those ravioli sound DELISH!! Good job adding the spinach for a little bit of a health kick!!
We have a favorite brand of bread made locally that I love, love, love…..can’t remember the exact spelling of it. It is a little bit costly, but I don’t mind the expense since I’m supporting a local company.
Have a super day!!
Oh man, we have so many locally made bbq sauces and pretty much anything “peach” or “vidalia onion”. I love a good vidalia onion dressing or relish. So sweet and yummy!
Obviously I’m talking about GA…..If you hadn’t guessed
yummmmm raviolis are my favorite italian meal. my grandmom makes some mean ones, but honestly, i LOVE buitoni (and even better the next day COLD with no sauce). favorite local products? hmmm. solebury orcahrd’s apple cider (a local farm), and potato salad from a tiny grocery store in my town (it’s alllll over my other blog http://thesundayflog.wordpress.com) teehee
I got some Graddy’s salsa yesterday and it is fantastic. If you like Gino’s sauce, you have got to try Rock Power Pizza sauce (sold at the farmers market). We buy it every week!
Heads up, there’s fantastic looking tomato tart on David Lebovitz’s web site that would be devine with the chevre you’ve been raving about.
It is craaazzzyyy how much spinach cooks down huh!? My pet peeve with spinach, ha. Anyways, the meal looks fantabulous and def a worth it splurge
I love love love buying local fresh salsa from the Farmer’s Market! Also there is a wonderful pasta shop not far from me either with all homemade pastas and fresh sauces! Mmmm mmm good!
Just a quick question – how did you get into making cookies for people? I don’t think that it’s your full time job, is it? While hard work I think it would be so much fun to have a small part in people’s events/lives