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Lasagna

First a tip, then the lasagna recipe. When you’re in the mood for…. Lasagna or whatever it is you’re thinking about cooking, look up at least 5 recipes so you get an idea of the ingredients, how it’s prepped, and the end result. Don’t worry about following any one recipe exactly just gather the gist of how the dish works, and make it your own. This helps if you don’t have all the exact ingredients and will help you become a more creative, confident cook! sauté EVOO, onion, and garlic until it softens add any kind of ground meat you like (extra lean hamburger, chicken, and turkey all work great.) Stir in mushrooms and fish cooking. Add at least one to two bottles of your favorite pasta sauce (I love Rao brand). Make sure it’s pretty soupy so that once again you have moist lasagna. In another bowl combine, ricotta cheese, an egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained, basil, oregano, s&p. Start by layering red sauce on the bottom of the dish,…

Lean and Mean Meatballs

This picture does not do these homemade meatballs justice. I love big, moist, juicy meatballs with a delicious vegetable sauce and just a little whole wheat angel hair pasta. My secret to moist meatballs is soaking a piece or two of bread in milk until it is all absorbed. Don’t skip this step! Combine- Extra lean ground beef 93% lean 1-2 lbs 1-2 eggs 2 slices wheat bread soaked in 3/4 C milk until soggy- tear apart into tiny pieces Italian herbs (fresh parsley,dry basil, dry oregano) 3/4 C Parmesan cheese Minced garlic 1/2 Grated onion (use a zester and grate onion juice into mixture) S&P Red pepper flakes Mold meatballs into 1 1/2 inch or bigger balls. Sear on all sides in a sauté pan with EVOO. Sauté eggplant and mushrooms in some EVOO (or any veggies you have). There are so many great sauces out there I use Rao’s or Emeril’s tomato sauce. Add 2 jars sauce to large pan and drop in seared meatballs. Simmer with lid for 1 hour or so. Top with more Parmesan and…

Lemon and Pancetta Ziti Pasta

There is snow on the ground, and I feel the need to hibernate! This Lemon Pancetta Ziti pasta – is just what this weather calls for. I served it for my daughters first birthday and it was a big hit with the kids and adults. It’s comfort food with a touch of fresh spring flavor. 1 1/2 pounds ziti pasta 1 package diced pancetta (Trader Joes) 1-2 jars Alfredo sauce 2 lemons, juice and zest 1 C basil, julienned 3 Tb fresh thyme 1 C shredded Mozzarella 1 C shredded Parmesan 1 C Panko bread crumbs EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) S&P Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and put in casserole dish. Sauté pancetta until browned. Drain oil and set aside. In a sauce pan heat cream sauce. Add pancetta, basil, thyme, and zest of two lemons and S&P. Take off heat and add juice of 2 lemons. Top pasta with cream sauce. Combine bread crumbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan and add on top of pasta. Drizzle with EVOO. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until top is brown….

Antipasto Salad

I brought this salad to a birthday party last week and it’s perfect for a big crowd. Add or subtract your favorite toppings because anything goes. It would be perfect for the B-ball game tonight! Cheese Tortellini, cooked to package directions Pesto Jarred Red Peppers, thinly sliced Pepperchinis, sliced Olives ( your favorite Mediterranean ones) Artichoke quarters, in oil and drained Grape Tomatoes, halved Mozzarella, cut into chunks Provolone, cut into long strips Salami, quartered Pepperoni, cut into chunks Mix of Arugula and Romaine Favorite vinaigrette and balsamic for dressing. After you drain the tortellini, toss it with a big helping of pesto. Cut up each ingredient and sprinkle with S&P as you go. The key to variety in this salad is to have a lot of different shapes and sizes of your cheeses, meats, and veggies so don’t keep them completely uniform. Serve with your favorite protein and dinner is served. “I believe every person should be able to make the simple foods that nourish them, that feel familiar and comforting, that tell the story of who they are….