 I Think You're Obsessing Unnecessarily
In the first place, there's nothing wrong with simple. Some of the most memorable meals are simply prepared. It's not just the food that makes a dinner party, it's the people who are sharing it.
All it all I'd say you done good.
Some comments on the ravioli. It is very difficult to hold ravioli more than a couple of hours without freezing it. As it sits the dough absorbs moisture from the filling, and can turn soggy. So freezing overnight, as you did, is a good way to go.
To maintain integrity of the filling some sort of binder has to be used. The eggs, alone, probably would have done it if you object to breadcrumbs.
I see no reason to have not used shalots. Actually, they bring a different flavor layer to the table. Not necessarily stronger than onions, just different---some say a cross between onions and garlic, but I don't subscribe to that description myself.
Never ever listen to the ladies at work unless you know their capabilities in the kitchen. Anyone who's idea of cooking is to pop a frozen entree in the nuke is, naturally, going to laugh at anything complex. But, obviously, you were right and they were wrong, cuz the chocolate bowls worked out.  |