Pi Day Recipe

Below is my favorite recipe for Pi Day, a very geeky U.S. holiday --- March 14 or 3/14 is the first three digits of pi.

Pi Day Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 bags (22 or 24 oz) frozen, round, cheese-filled, mini ravioli (slightly thawed for ease of stirring)
• 1 large or 2 medium zucchini, cut into slices
• 1 jar/can (26 oz) tomato and garlic pasta sauce
• 1 c. pepperoni slices (5 oz)
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 t. Italian seasoning, if desired

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except cheese and Italian seasoning.
3. Spoon mixture into an ungreased 9- by 13-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and cheese.
4. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes:
In some stores, it is difficult to find the small, round ravioli.  I used to find them at Kroger, but now I have my best success at Food Lion.  Finding the correct ravioli for Pi Day is very important. :-)

I also usually use more Italian seasoning than the recipe calls for, probably more than 1 t. for a square baking dish. I really like oregano.

You can also make this ahead the night before, cover it and store in the refrigerator, then uncover and bake the next day.

Mardi Gras Recipe

To celebrate Mardi Gras, here is an alcohol-free version of Bananas Foster, created by Brennan's in New Orleans. This recipe was created in the 1950's when New Orleans was a major port for the import of bananas.

Catherine's Bananas Foster
Serves Six

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 bananas, cut in half lengthwise, then halved
• 6 scoops vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in skillet.
2. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Place the bananas in the pan and heat until the banana sections soften and begin to brown.
4. Lift the bananas out of the pan and place four pieces over each portion of ice cream.
5. Generously spoon warm sauce over the top of the ice cream and serve immediately.

For the original version of this recipe, please check out the Brennan's recipe on the New Orleans Recipes site.

New "Case Study" Paper on the Web

A new paper on the Catherine Hood Consulting site:
Case Study: Fixing Residual Trading Day Effects in the Seasonally Adjusted Series

Now that my boxes are unpacked (yes, yes, I know, it only took me five years), I have the notes I need to continue writing the case studies book that Kathy and I started back in 2004. To see the outline in its current state, check out the "Case Study Project" page.