Fried Ravioli.

I have a friend here who is a great cook. This is one of hers. Definitely one you make when having company over. It has three parts. One of them I'm not giving because it's the ravioli and it's just easier to buy a bag of ravioli. I bought a bag at Costco and it made tons.

Essence (this spice combination can be used as a meat rub as well)
2 1/2 T. paprika
2 T. salt
2 T. garlic powder
1 T. black pepper
1 T. onion powder
1 T. cayenne pepper
1 T. dried oregano
1 T. tyme

Hot sausage ragu
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 lb. hot italian sausage
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
3/4 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper (I used ground red pepper and was just fine)
1/8 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 15 oz. cans whole tomatoes, chopped, keep juice
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. tomato paste
1/4 cup dry red wine (found near vinegars, cooking wine will work)
1/4 c. heavy cream
pinch sugar

In a medim pot,heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring until brown and the fat is rendered, about 4 minutes. Add onions, garlic, red pepper, salt, basil, oregano, black pepper and bay leaf and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, cream, and sugar and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavors are blended, about 30 minutes, adding water as necessary to keep from getting too thick. Remove from heat and cover until needed.

Ravioli
1 lg. egg
2 T. water

Combine to make egg wash

1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp. essence

Dip thawed ravioli into egg wash and then into bread crumb mixture. fry.

Heat 2 cups oil into a large pot and fry ravioli until golden brown. Be careful with the hot oil, I really recommend a large pot. I used a medium pot and the oil came out of the pot and scared me because I was afraid of a fire. This meal is really yummy. I served it with garlic bread and salad.