Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Skillet Lasagne for the Busy Cook

The day goes by so quickly and before you know it, the family is getting hungry and saying, "what's for dinner?"  Well, I have come up with a quick version of one of our family's favorite--Lasagne.

Lasagne, which is the actual name of the wide-shaped pasta and is probably one of the oldest types of pasta.  Typically, the dish is layered with several sheets of these wide noodles with a filling of meat, cheese, veggies and sauce.  I've made it several times in this manner and even in roll-ups, but this version goes together so quickly that it's my "go-to" dish when I'm busy.

Skillet Lasagne

6 sheets of Lasagne
1-32 oz. jar of marinara sauce (I love Raos!)
1-14oz pkg of veggie sausage, ground turkey, or sausage
1-8 oz carton of Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese
1 cup grated Mozzarella or Fontina Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (I used frozen, about 1/2 of a 10oz pkg)--you don't need to squeeze out excess moisture because it's beneficial for cooking the lasagne noodles!
Or 1 Zucchini, grated


To begin, brown the meat of your choice in about 2-3 T olive oil in a 12-inch/2-inch high sauce pan.  Remove to a small dish.

Next, start layering:
Add 1/3 of the jar of the marinara sauce to the pan, then take 3 of the lasagne noodles and break in 2-inch pieces.
Spoon 1/2 of the Ricotta Cheese over top of the lasagne noodles.

Then, 1/2 of the sausage and 1/2 of the spinach.
Top with 1/2 of the Mozzarella Cheese.
Press this first layer down slightly, using a rubber spatula.  Repeat the layering, finishing off with adding the last 1/3 of the marinara sauce.  Top with Parmesan Cheese.

Place a lid on top and cook over medium low heat for 35-40 minutes.  Every 15-20 minutes, use the rubber spatula to push the mixture towards the center, so any liquid forming will sink to the bottom again.  This step resembles how you cook an omelette!

Use the point of a small knife to check if lasagne noodles are cooked--it should slide easily into the noodle.  Remove lid and cook 5 minutes more to remove any excess moisture.

Serve with a side salad and maybe some garlic bread and you have a complete dinner without much fuss and better yet, without much clean-up--1 pan!  

Spoon up the lasagne and watch your family dig in--Enjoy!

Monday, January 25, 2016

December's Give-Away Apron

Well, I guess you're saying, it's about time!  Speaking of time, where does it go??  I'm going to try to get back into a routine of sharing and yes, continuing.

I know I've been MIA, but with good reason as many of you know, I also design dies for Elizabeth Craft Designs and have a blog showing my projects.  Also, the holidays and a trade show that was on my plate, but with that behind me, I will get back to baking.

The winner of December's Apron is Ellen B of the Happy Wanderer. Please contact me and I will get this apron sent off to you ASAP<3 p="">
Let's just say, I'll shoot for February for a new apron and maybe a special Give-Away in honor of my mother's birthday.