Chinese takeout and the Olympics

What am I eating tonight? Chinese takeout of course. I've got a date with the TV to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Haven't missed one since Munich 1972. I also still have two full-length Mark Spitz posters complete with Speedo and dangling medals. We'll just see about this Michael Phelps fellow.

But I won't go hog-wild on the Chinese food. I just got a copy of David Zinczenko's new "Eat This, Not That For Kids" so the usual sesame chicken (fried with sugary sauce) is out. Better, he says, is Kung Pao chicken and dumplings to start. Forget the egg roll and crab rangoon. Dang it. Oh, and he suggests using chopsticks to make the meal go down slower. I guess he hasn't seen me wield a pair; I can move them pretty fast, especially when hungry.

On another note, here's a recipe to tuck away for a busy school night. Ravioli with Pesto Oil and Tomatoes can easily become one of your go-to dishes.

Ravioli With Pesto Oil and Fresh Tomatoes

1 (18- to 22-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
1/4 cup olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 large or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare ravioli according to package directions.
In a large serving bowl, combine oil and pesto until smooth. Add tomatoes and stir well to combine. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained ravioli and toss well to combine. Top with grated cheese.

4 servings

Per serving: 326 calories (percent of calories from fat, 69), 10 grams protein, 20 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 25 grams fat (7 grams saturated), 22 milligrams cholesterol, 604 milligrams sodium.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution