Meals bring us together to celebrate, cry or support each other in so many ways. The characters in The Last Timekeepers young adult time travel adventure series were originally thrown together, despite their differences, and have had to learn how to act like a family by trusting and working with one another through each Timekeeper mission. In my Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls teen psychic mystery series, the main characters change with each book, but the setting remains the same, I focused on the tribal matters of the town, and what’s best for the whole. Again, my characters must overcome differences and obstacles in order to keep Fairy Falls’ sense of community safe and intact.
I recently came across my father’s lasagna recipe, and a wave of emotions and memories rushed through me. I loved his meaty take on a popular Italian dish. My dad’s been gone since 1983, and I still miss him deeply, especially when our family gets together over holidays, events or Sunday dinners. So, I thought I’d share his special family recipe with you with the hopes of adding this mouth-watering pasta entree to your menu one day. Bon appetite!
Dad’s Mouth-Watering, Meaty Lasagna
½ lb. ground pork
1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes
1 can (12 oz.) tomato paste
2 tsps. garlic salt or powder
1½ tsps. oregano leaves
1 tsp. basil leaves
2 cups cottage cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 packages (4 ounces each) shredded mozzarella cheese
12 oz. lasagna noodles, cooked and well drained (we use precooked noodles)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
IN a Dutch over or large skillet, cook and stir meats until brown. Drain off fat. Add tomatoes; break up with fork. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, oregano and basil. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 20 minutes or until mixture is consistency of spaghetti sauce.
PREHEAT oven to 350° F (175° C).
STIR together cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Set aside 1 cup meat sauce and ½ the mozzarella. In ungreased baking pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches, alternate layers of ⅓ each noodles, remaining meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and cottage cheese mixture.
SPREAD reserved meat sauce over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Scatter reserved mozzarella across lasagna.
BAKE uncovered 45 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Cut into 3-inch squares.
SERVES 8 of your hungriest family members or friends.
And there you have it! A feast fit for any family who loves getting together to share good food, and create happy memories. So, now that you’ve cooked to your heart’s content, and your belly is full, why not escape from the dishes and curl up with one of my books? May I suggest a visit to Fairy Falls or go back in time with The Last Timekeepers? Just remember to pack lightly.
The Last
Timekeepers Time Travel Adventure Series:
The Last
Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book #2 Buy
Links:
The Last
Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book #1 Buy Links:
Legend of
the Timekeepers, prequel Buy
Links:
Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls
Teen Psychic Mystery Series:
Lost and Found, Book One Buy
Links:
Blackflies and Blueberries, Book Two Buy Links:
Happy Thanksgiving! Wow, that lasagna sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lydia! It sure is a great recipe, especially for the holidays. Cheers!
DeleteOh yummm. Love the recipe and Happy Thanksgiving, neighbor to the North.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma! I'll raise a glass to you! Cheers!
DeleteFor a number of years I had stopped making the family traditional holiday turkey meal because my husband had to work on Easter, so I went with lasagna. My mother was born in America but her parents and some of the siblings were born in Umbria.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it makes sense to shake up traditional fare, Tonette! Cheers and wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving, whatever you're serving. Wink.
DeleteMy mouth is watering! Thanks for the yummy recipe, Sharon. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
ReplyDeleteCheers and thanks, Sloane! Raising a glass just for you!
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