The great ravioli fiasco happens once or twice a year now. This is where all the men in the family and some close friends get together and make ravioli and gravy (aka sauce) all in one day. The women stay away from the kitchen for the most part with the exception of the one hosting it at their home. We all pray for that woman! This year was our turn to host it.
This ritual started many years ago when my husband decided he wanted to learn how to make his Mom’s ravioli. My husband is not usually in the kitchen although he does cook barbeque very well. He followed his Mom around the kitchen putting cups and teaspoons underneath the ingredients as she cooked since she never measured anything. Once we made the ravioli from the recipe other men in the family wanted to learn so the ritual was born.
I find it fascinating, entertaining and sometimes frustrating to watch the men in action. They have the intention of starting early but for some reason that never happens. They start out by fixing breakfast. Next they move on to the gravy and ravioli filling. Wine starts flowing around noon – some to cook with, some to drink then more to drink and so on. Now comes the entertainment since they all have different styles in the kitchen. My husband is not in the kitchen much which became evident to all very quickly. When anyone asked where something was the response was “Laurie where’s the _______.” He also likes to stick to the recipe. His brother has become very adept in the kitchen and likes to experiment with ingredients. Others in group don’t care what is in it as long as it tastes good and the ravioli do no break.
As they cook and badger each other various cold cuts and cheese are being consumed. Now gravy is being splashed up on the wall as they stir and taste. The dough is made and as it is rolled out flour is on the dough, the board, the floor, their clothes and some of the chairs. Flour is important to prevent it from sticking to the board.
Cooking and conditioning the ravioli with butter or gravy is the last step then finally we all sit down to eat. The food is always delicious, the company great and of course wine flows. The kitchen is a wreck but all the women pitch in to help along with one or two men.
Rituals are important to help pass down family traditions, create habits (good and bad) and acknowledge important events. Rituals can be something big and intermittent like the ravioli fiasco or small and daily like washing your face. Having a daily ritual of some form of self-care will help you stay healthier and happier.
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Laurie Ratto, RN, BSN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides a safe, nurturing space for women to release fears and self-doubt, what spiritually ties us to pain. Laurie Ratto specializes in complementary medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.