Tart Chicken Purses

... So named because goat cheese and yogurt makes the feeling deliciously tart.

I'm a beginner at pasta making but it's fun (and delicious). My techniques have a long way to go especially making the dough. If you'd like to try making stuffed pasta but that part makes you nervous, use some ready-made wrappers. I was short on time so that's what I did last night.

I wasn't feeling well last night, but I had told NH homemade ravioli was on the menu. So I made a large batch of ravioli and froze the majority of them for another occasion, leaving a serving for him to enjoy. The ease of freezing this pasta makes them an excellent make-ahead dinner for guests you want to impress. :-)

I've used Azumaya round gyoza wrappers when making asian dumplings in the past but had not made ravioli. They are easy to work with and a nice change/substitute from homemade dough. And they are easy to shape into cute little purses.


Tart Chicken Purses

1 chicken breast, cooked and finely shredded
4 large basil leaves, finely chopped
about 2 oz. goat cheese
2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
a few Tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt (enough to moisten and bring the mixture together
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 package round pasta wrappers

*This filling recipe was born from what was on hand but it turned out excellent. The proportions are approximate since I measured nothing.

Mix the filling ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Remove the pasta wraps from the package and cover with a damp paper towel. Place 4 wraps in front of you and place 1/2 teaspoon of the filling in the middle of each wrap.


Brush the edges with egg wash.


Pull together and twist firmly until secure.


Place each purse on a baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining filling and wraps. I was able to make 53 purses, due to about 6 wraps that cracked in the package.


Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.


When ready to eat, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the desired amount of pasta. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the purses float to the top. Serve immediately.

~

I served this to NH on top of some spicy Arrabiata sauce with a little parmesan.
I'm sorry I have no photo of the finished dish. It was devoured before I could take one.

For my dinner, I had oatmeal with a little flax, cinnamon and granola; later an orange and two of my figs. I felt better after eating. I have a habit of not eating enough during the day and hunger turns to feelings of sickness. Not a good habit.