Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Foodies, UNITE!

I really need twitter for all the random questions I have...but for now, the blog will have to suffice.

So, I mentioned earlier this week that we are hosting a get-together on Saturday for some friends. I am getting our menu all pulled together and could use a little help! I have each of my girlfriends bringing something...one a dessert and the other a side. I think I know what I am going to make for the most part, but for the main course...does anyone have a tried, tested, and true Lasagna recipe?! Am I crazy for going out on a limb and making something I've never done before? I think Lasagna should be pretty fool proof, but I'll take suggestions!

The Menu

Appetizers:
Spinach and Artichoke Dip/Crackers
Veggies? Something kid friendly 

Dinner:
Lasagna
Question- How do we feel about Lasagna Soup?
Parmesan Knots
Pinned Image
Another Side Being Brought

Dessert:
Smores on a Stick
(Is it bad that this goes with nothing, but I just really want an excuse?)
Pinned Image

Another Dessert Being Brought

Help a sista out!

xo,
H

4 comments:

  1. YUmmmmmmm! I think the soup is great! It's hearty and a fun/easier thing to make then the normal lasagna. AND the dessert... OH MYYYYYYYYY it's perfect!!!!

    can I come?

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  2. So I don't have a lasagna recipe necessarily, but I have a damn good bolognese and bechamel recipe...

    For the bolognese:

    1 tablespoon olive oil
    4 ounces bacon or pancetta, diced
    1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
    3/4 cup diced carrots
    3/4 cup diced celery
    1 tablespoon minced garlic
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    2 bay leaves
    1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    1 pound ground beef or ground veal
    1/2 pound pork sausage, removed from the casings, or ground pork
    2 tablespoons tomato paste
    1 cup red wine
    2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes and their juice
    1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomato sauce
    1 cup beef or chicken stock or broth
    2 teaspoons sugar
    1/4 cup heavy cream
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

    For the bechamel:
    Ingredients

    5 tablespoons butter
    4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    4 cups milk
    2 teaspoons salt
    1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

    Directions

    In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat until melted. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Over medium heat, cook until the mixture turns a light, golden sandy color, about 6 to 7 minutes.

    Meanwhile, heat the milk in a separate pan until just about to boil. Add the hot milk to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously until very smooth. Bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat. Season with salt and nutmeg, and set aside until ready to use.

    For the lasagna - put the bolognese on the bottom of the pan so you can get the lasagna out later, then start layering: pasta, bechamel, mozzarella, bolognese - until you've almost filled the dish. On the last layer, do an extra bechamel layer and then top with cheese. Devon made this a few months ago and I'm still craving it. Enjoy!!

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  3. I have both a recipe for lasagna, lasagna rolls, and crock-pot lasagna. Let me know if you want them :)

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  4. I have made baked ziti before and that is super easy. I haven't tried lasagna yet, I am not daring enough! But I want your recipe if you try it and of course if it is good ;)

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