Baked Nutella Ravioli

Let's pick up where we left off, shall we? After leaving Siem Reap, Cambodia the hubby and I headed off to Bangkok, Thailand for 3 days :) On our first day in Bangkok, we spent the day shopping in the famous Pratunam area of Bangkok. Again, known for their wonderful designer rip-offs, which I was not interested in getting, they still had wonderful clothes and jewelry shopping! The hubby and I also enjoyed some wonderful food in their international food square. We enjoyed some authentic Chinese food, followed by dessert. The hubby had his favorite dish of the whole trip there- it was a condensed milk shaved ice with water chestnuts, while I had a Nutella crepe (which since Nutella was on my mind, lead me to this recipe).

They say Bangkok is the Venice of the East- and, not that I have been to Venice-- but it definitely was neat. Our hotel was right on the river, and so on the second day, the hubby and I did a temple tour--traveling from temple to temple by river! Floating on the river (no, not southern style ;) was fun. We saw the famous reclining Buddha and Emerald Buddha, as well as the Grand Palace and other gorgeous temples. Although the temples were amazingly beautiful, I got "templed" out quite quickly, especially since that is all we saw in Siem Reap. Plus it was HOT and so I got cranky pretty quickly. After a long day seeing temples, the hubby and I again, traveled the river to visit a shopping area called Asiatique to enjoy dinner and cupcakes along the river :)

On the final day- I got to pick what we did- and I chose to visit the famous Damnoen Floating Market located about 2 hours outside of Bangkok. This was by far one of my favorite experiences of the whole trip! You can hire a private or group boat and be taken along the river for 2 hours. They take you to a coconut sugar factory and then take you along the river, all while stopping at different vendors. Some vendors are located on piers along the river, so if you want anything, your boat basically "docks" at the store and you can buy things while sitting on the boat. There are also other vendors that are on boats themselves- and basically "pull up" to your boat when you want to buy things- they sell produce (fruits and veggies), appetizers, and meals. I enjoyed some coconut juice out of a coconut on the boat and some pad-thai. This entire experience was fantastic!

Now that we have discussed Nutella, I thought it was only right to share with you this recipe for baked Nutella Ravioli that I found on Pinterest! You heard right! Nutella in a delicious ravioli shell--perfect--well really anything Nutella is absolutely perfect. But the saddest thing, is that I found out not everyone shares the same love of Nutella that I do! In fact, the hubby, is one of those people! I mean how do you not love Nutella! The chocolately, hazelnutty goodness that melts in your mouth....mmmm.... This recipe is super simple and easy! Anyone can whip it together for a get together or just, you know, if you are like me, to just eat all by yourself ;)

BAKED NUTELLA RAVIOLI

From Heart, Mind and Soul

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 375F Degrees

Round wonton wrappers
Nutella
Cooking spray
Powdered sugar

*No specific amount was provided for the ingredients, as you can make as many as needed. 1 regular (13oz.) jar of Nutella can make approximately 25 pieces. 

DIRECTIONS

This is how I set up: First I filled a small container of water (you will see why). Then, I laid out all my wontons wrappers (I made 15) on a flat service. Place a scoop (~ 1 tbsp) on Nutella in the center of each wonton circle. Then, once all the wontons have a scoop of Nutella, dip your finger in water and outline the edge of the wonton wrapper. Fold the wonton in half and press together tightly. I have a dough presser that I used to seal the wontons and create a designed edge (so if you have one, feel free to use it), if not, after sealing the wonton, use a fork to make a designed edge.

Place the wontons on a lined baking sheet.  Then evenly spray the raviolis with cooking spray so they can get crispy when baked. I sprayed one side, flipped them over, and sprayed again. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges appear golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then garnish with powdered sugar. Heart, Mind and Soul suggests that you can serve this with ice cream- though I enjoyed these all by themselves :)

Enjoy,
Chika

Skinny Jalapeno-Cream Cheese Wontons

Were you guys a big fan of "Boys Meets World"? I was! A huge fan. I have watched every single episode. Well rumor has it ;) that they are coming out with a "Girl Meets World." And this time the parents would be Cory and Topanga! How cool is that! I know that I am well into my twenties, but there is something so nostalgic about that show. Though I have to say, that I have been watching the MTV2 re-runs of "Boys Meets World" and realized how corny the show is I knew it was a bit dorky when I watched the show the first time around, but I did not realize just how corny and cliched it was. BUT I still very much enjoy watching the series! Can't wait for this new show!

Not only have I been on a S'More kick lately but I have also been on a Jalapeño Popper or Jalapeno-Cream Cheese kick too! I made a fried version of these Jalapeño-Cream Cheese Wontons awhile ago when I had invited Justin and Luke to come over for dinner to see our newly decorated place. Well, I had poorly planned my time and by the time I finished making everything- it was late at night. I tried to photograph the wontons but there is something about non-natural lighting that made the food look so ugly :( 

So I decided I would just try to make this yummy little appetizer again, but this time try to make them a bit more healthy by baking them instead of frying them. I am not usually one for attempting to make things "skinny" but I am definitely trying. I made a few modifications to this recipe so that I could make it as healthy as I could. And both the hubby and I really enjoyed them! These wontons were pretty easy to make and put together. The frying was a bit tricky, but baking them makes the process a lot easier and healthier. Nothing better than less-guilty food ;) Can't say it is completely guilt-less--I mean it is filled with cream cheese isn't it? 

SKINNY JALAPEÑO-CREAM CHEESE WONTONS

Adapted from All Recipes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 400F Degrees

8oz. package of fat-free cream cheese

1 c. shredded 2% mozzarella cheese 

4 oz. can of diced jalapeño peppers (reserving 3 tbsp. of juice)

1 tbsp. garlic

3 green onions, diced

16 oz. package of wonton wrappers

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients using a spatula (except wonton wrappers) together- cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced jalapeño peppers (plus juice), garlic, and green onions. *The jalapeño juice will add a nice distinct jalapeño flavor to the filling. 

In a small cup or bowl- fill with warm water. Holding the wonton in a diamond shape in your hand, scoop one generous tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the middle of the wonton. Then dip your finger in the water and lightly outline the "top" triangle border of the wonton wrapper. Then fold the bottom triangle portion of the wonton paper up-and over the top portion. Pinch the border of the wonton to tightly seal the wonton. 

Sometimes when sealing one side, the cream cheese mixture will push out on the other-- if that happens just use your finger to push the cream cheese back into the wonton, and slowly seal the other side. Repeat, until entire meat mixture is used. Make sure to tightly pinch edges down so prevent opening during baking.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until wonton edges turn slightly golden brown. Once done, dust the flour of the wontons (my pictures still show the flour- I forgot to dust it off before taking pictures :/). 

Enjoy,

Chika