Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Parmesan and Pecans

INGREDIENTS:
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Scant 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling). Or substitute with cooked squash.
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 24 wonton skins (wrappers)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 6 large sage leaves, thinly sliced plus a leaf thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans

DIRECTIONS:
• Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add olive oil.
• In a small bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cayenne if using and salt and black pepper to taste.
• Place 12 wonton skins on a flat non-stick surface. Divide the filling equally, placing approximately 1 tablespoon in the center of each wonton skin.
• Brush around the outside of the filling with beaten egg. Carefully place another wonton skin over the filling. Gently stretch it to make the edges come together neatly, removing any air pockets from the ravioli. Repeat until 12 ravioli are assembled.
• Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When the butter has melted and begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and let it continue simmering until it turns a light golden brown. Add the sage leaves and cook 1-2 minutes, being careful the butter does not get overly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Remove sage with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
• Working in batches, place 4 ravioli at a time in the boiling water. Cook 2 minutes or until they begin to float slightly (they don’t need to come all the way to the top). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Repeat with remaining ravioli.
• To serve, place ravioli on a plate. Drizzle with browned butter, leaving any browned milk solid bits behind in the saucepan. Top with sage leaves (both cooked and slivers), Parmesan cheese and pecans. Recipe courtesy of “From a Chef’s Kitchen”. © Carol Borchardt.

Kilburg
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

Of all the grapes of Germany, Riesling is the most noble. It is a varietal that can do well in stony soil and can subsist on a minimum of moisture and frost-resistant. A very dependable bearer of high quality grapes, Riesling provide an acidity level that gives way to a racy freshness and contributes to its long life. To reach it’s full potential, Riesling needs extra days of sun, usually ripening the latter half of October. Kilburg’s harvest quantities per hectare are reduced to guarantee a selection of only top quality and healthy fruit. A cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and natural, bright fruit taste of the grapes. Pairs well with salads, crab, scallops, Indian cuisine and mild cheeses.

“Our exquisite, well-balanced Riesling combines citrus, peach and apricot aromas, a juicy mid-palate and a refreshing finish. This is an incredibly versatile wine and my favorite with Indian cuisine.” – Max Kilburg, winemaker

Winemaker: Max Kilburg
Appellation: Mosel, Germany
Varietal Blend:  100% Riesling
Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume, 8.4 g/L Total Acidity, 21.8 g/L Residual Sugar
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine