Recipe of the week ~ Lasagna

I could write a number of posts on the silly things I did as a newlywed but today's topic is my recipe of the week so I'll try to stick to that.

As a newlywed I spent most of my Sundays pouring over my new cookbooks to come up with a delicious weekly meal plan for my darling husband. I usually had at least one recipe for each night and sometimes even more if I was including a complicated side dish.

Did I mention that I usually served an appetizer and cocktail to keep my darling husband happy while I made dinner? (Yes, we both gained weight that first year!) I can still hear my mother telling me to keep my new husband well fed and a cocktail after work to help him unwind doesn't hurt either. My mother gave me some absolutely wonderful advice that first year. It may seem outdated in today's world but I firmly believe there is a kernel of truth to everything she said.

It didn't take long for me to familiarize myself with a few basic recipes and then branch off on my own to avoid being tied to a recipe. I've always liked cooking, but once I was able to make that transition I've come to realize how fun and creative you can be in the kitchen, so much more enjoyable! Plus, isn't it so much nicer to go to the market and pick out what looks best and freshest even if you have no idea what to do with it?

Well, this week I found some great looking Italian sausage, a favorite of my darling husband, who is originally from Chicago and has taught me so much about cased meats. Growing up in Texas the only sausage I'd ever seen was smoked and covered in bbq sauce. I'm still not totally sure what a bratwurst is, but I digress. The sausage reminded me that its been ages since I made our favorite lasagna!

This recipe is from Bride and Groom First and Forever Cookbook, a gift from a very sweet friend for my wedding. It is written by two young southern wives and has a ton of great recipes! I've made a couple of changes to the recipe over the years, so the below is my version but the original is great too!

This is what my darling husband and I are having for dinner tonight and probably the next few nights as it makes a lot! I do hope you try it out sometime.

Cheers,

Ouiser

Classic Lasagna

1lbs. ground beef (ground turkey also works)

1lbs. ground Italian sausage (don't skip the sausage, it's the secret!)

6 cups of marinara sauce (or 2 26 oz. jars)

8 oz. ricotta cheese (skim okay)

8 oz. cream cheese (light okay)

1 C Parmigiano reggiano, grated (please use the GOOD stuff)

1 pkg (8 oz.) "no-boil" lasagna noodles

1 C basil leaves (about a handful)

2 C (8 oz.) Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees and spray lasagna pan (or 9x13 in. casserole dish) with Pam.

Combine beef and sausage and season with salt and pepper then saute over medium high heat till cooked through and browned. Add meat to marinara sauce in a large bowl and set aside.

Mix ricotta, cream cheese and Parmesian cheese in a second bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Cover bottom of baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce (about a cup maybe more) Arrange a layer of noodles (3-4 noodles) on top of sauce. Spread another layer of the meat sauce evenly on top. Add half of the cheese mixture by spoonfuls (it doesn't spread easily so just dollop small amounts around the top, it will melt evenly). Scatter half of the basil leaves on top. Repeat steps-- 3-4 lasagna noodles, meat sauce, remaining cheese mixture, basil leaves. Finish with 3-4 more lasagna noodles and remaining meat sauce on top. Cover with mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 mins. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 mins until the cheese begins to bubble and brown. Let rest for 10 mins before serving.

This is pretty heavy and rich so it's nice with a light salad and of course a good red wine matches perfectly.