CHARACTERS WHO COOK
Conrad Jestmore, author of River of Murder, is second in our Writers Who Cook series. Conrad has weaved his passion for cooking into his novels through his main character, Jimmy O’Reilly.
After a hard day investigating, Jimmy O’Reilly likes nothing more than a glass of fine wine and an equally fine meal. Watch Conrad prepare “a typical Jimmy O’Reilly meal” as he prepares a savory dish of ravioli in brown-butter sage sauce, capresi salad, and fine wine for Keyhole Conversations hosts, Bonnie Myrick and Hazel Hart. Jimmy shares this wonderful recipe below.
View Conrad’s website to learn more about this mystery writer. His new mystery sequel, Field of Dreams, is pending publication.
Jimmy O’Reilly’s Ravioli in Brown-Butter Sage Sauce
- chopped shallots
- extra virgin olive oil
- unsalted butter
- chopped fresh sage
- shaved parmesan
Ravioli (such as Parppadelle’s frozen black bean and red pepper ravioli)
- Boil ravioli until al dente.
- Sauté shallots until tender over medium heat
- Add butter and let bubble until brown.
- Add fresh sage and take off heat, or let cook until desired crispness.
- Spoon sauce over ravioli and top with shaved Parmesan
Jimmy O’Reilly’s Modified Capresi Salad
- sliced garden tomatoes
- Sliced mozzarella
- chopped fresh basil
- chopped fresh Italian parsley
- extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella slices, alternating
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and Italian parsley
- Top with splash of balsamic vinegar
Serve both recipes with Italian Chianti or Brunello wine.
Thanks to vintagefeedsacks and webweaver for the use of their images.
Explore posts in the same categories: Writers Who CookTags: Bonnie Myrick, brown-butter sauce, Capresi salad, chef, Conrad Jestmore, cooking, Field of Dreams, food, herbs, indie writer, ravioli, River of Murder, writers who cook
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Keyhole Conversations 
July 10, 2012 at 1:56 am
It is absolutely amazing how writers use cooking as their alternative creative method of expression. And not simply a BLT but a considered combination of flavor and experience. Much in the way we write.
I am envious of Conrad’s herb garden, especially his rosemary. But I admired his style in the kitchen, his affinity for wine, and the fact that he writes crime fiction. I honestly consider him my partner in crime.
And what can you say about Bonnie and Hazel that hasn’t already been said? They are finding out by burrowing and thinking and asking questions what it is that makes writers who they are. What motivates them. What inspires them. They are fleshing out the humanity behind the artist. And that is a good thing.
Continued success, dear ladies.
AND…I’m ready for an Iron Chef Competition. Bring it on, Conrad!
July 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Thanks, H.B., and yes, these lovely ladies are certainly not only dynamos, but an inspiration to us all.
So, H.B., do you know of a Stadium Kitchen where we can go head to head with our gloves off and our aprons on? We’ll compare chef hats and sauces in a culinary competition that will put Mario Batali and Alton Brown on notice. The spatula is mightier than the sword.
July 16, 2012 at 1:52 am
Bring it on, bro! Bring it ON! (AND throw in a short story of a delectable crime while we’re at it.)