Saturday, March 31, 2012

Classic Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

This is a guest post by Graham Batstone.

If you’re craving a classic Italian dish, try this Lasagna recipe from northern Italy. This simple classic Bolognese Lasagna requires several ingredients including 1 lb. of ground veal or meatloaf mix which should contain ground pork, veal and beef, 1 cup of chopped onion, ½ cup of grated or finely chopped carrots, 1 jar (between 24 and 28 oz) of pasta sauce and 6 no-boil lasagna noodles (1/2 of an 8 oz. pkg.) or 6 long lasagna noodles, cooked and drained. You will also need two types of cheese, 2 cups (15 oz.) of Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese or Light Ricotta Cheese, divided, and 2 cups (8 oz.) of shredded Italian Pasta Cheese, divided . The Italian Pasta Cheese is a mix of mozzarella, aged provolone and parmesan for an authentic feel and taste.

To begin preparing your Lasagna, cook your meat in a large skillet with your onion and carrots until it is no longer pink. Make sure to stir frequently and drain. Add in your pasta sauce and let this simmer for 5 minutes. Next, spoon 1-1/2 cups of meat sauce onto the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or pan. Then, layer 3 noodles, half the Ricotta cheese, 1 cup of meat sauce and ½ a cup of Italian Pasta Cheese. Repeat the layering process with 3 more noodles, the remaining Ricotta cheese, 1 cup of meat sauce and ½ a cup of Italian Pasta Cheese. Lastly, top your lasagna with the remaining meat sauce. Cover your lasagna with foil and bake in preheated 375°F oven for about 40 minutes. Uncover your meal and top it with the remaining Italian Pasta Cheese. Continue baking for about 10 minutes or until bubbly. The lasagna will be extremely hot so let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. The meal will give you all the calcium you need and plenty of vitamin A. You will also get a decent amount of protein and a serving is less than 500 calories. Delicious and nutritious, this lasagna should serve about eight people and is perfect for family get togethers.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Black Bean Casserole

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I keep trying to find more ways of using black beans and this casserole turned out to be very tasty.  You could spice it up some by adding cayenne pepper, or use your favorite beans.
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Black Bean Casserole
1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt & black pepper to taste
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Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook ground beef and onion in medium sauce pan until well done.  Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs in casserole dish.  Top with bread crumbs.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Bad Breakup

Guest post written by Derick Burks
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I just broke up with my boyfriend, and the breakup has been hard on me. Neither of us wanted to admit it, but we weren’t happy and we needed to move on. We were living together, so that just made everything more complicated. I decided to move out and let him stay in our apartment, so I have been very busy trying to get things together in my new place. Some nights when I come home from work I am so tired and sad that I don’t want to do anything, but I have to push through and at least try to organize things. I still have to research wireless internet providers and buy furniture so I have a full plate. My sister is going to come and visit me next week to give me a hand, so I am excited about that. I think while she is here she will help me keep my mind off of things and we will go out and do some fun things. I hope that soon I will be over this and things will go back to normal.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Corn Toast

I know you've probably heard of S.O.S.  No?  Well, it's a cream sauce made with dried beef or ground beef served on toast and topped with peas.  We had it a lot growing up and I have to say I didn't like it much.  That's probably because I really hated peas as a child.  Well, corn toast is a version Mom used to make me and I still have this every once in a while.  It's comfort food, and can't really be considered a recipe, but here goes.....  It's also a cheap dinner!
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Corn Toast
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4 slices of bread, toasted
1 can cream style corn
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Heat corn to a boil and let cool slightly.  Spoon over toast and serve immediately.