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Get well lasagna and cookies

We all know I'm a "feed the soul" kind of person. If someone is sick or has bad things going on in their life, I'm there with some form of comfort food. I know in the grand scheme of things it's not much, but I think food is one of the most comforting things when life is being turned upside down. I was telling my mom about what I was making and she started telling me about a neighbor who brought over a salmon casserole and warm pita chips after her dad passed away. The memory was so strong in her mind. A simple meal, yet filled with so much love, is so powerful. I can only hope I bring that kind of warmth and comfort to those I cook and bake for.

The short version is a friend had to go to the hospital with many weird symptoms and not a lot of answers for said symptoms. She totally rules the roost at home and John and I knew her husband and two kids could use a little bit of home cooking while she was stuck in the hospital. (side note: any good thoughts, prayers, whatever you believe in sent her way are much appreciate) She's home now but I know she still has a good amount of time left to recover.

Cue lasagna and cookies... The lasagna whips together in no time... the cookies take a little more time but as so worth the effort.


Let me share the simple recipe for this meat packed bad boy... cookie recipe to come in a bit :)
Meat and Cheese Lasagna

what you need
12 lasagna noodles (you don't have to cook them first)
1 lb ground beef
1 jar favorite tomato sauce (Diavola for me)
2 cups water
1/4 cup pesto
1 container part skim ricotta
1 egg
parsley/basil/black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded part skim mozzarella

Brown the beef in a pan, once cooked drain off excess fat. Dump in the tomato sauce, pesto, and water. Bring to a boil. White that is going on... in a medium bowl take your tub of ricotta, an egg, seasoning, and half your shredded mozzarella and mix it all up.

OK now layer in this order in a 9 x 13 baking pan
enough sauce to cover the bottom
4 noodles
1/2 of ricotta mixture
more sauce to cover
4 noodles
1/2 of ricotta mixture
more sauce to cover
4 noodles
remainder of sauce
layer of shredded mozzarella

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes with tin foil. Remove tin foil and let brown for final 10 minutes.

Quick and easy and oh so comforting :)

17 chews:

I can remember a time when I needed a comfort meal like this and a friend of mine did just what you did. Trust me, she'll remember you forever for this Steph.

Anonymous said...

Get well lasagna? Suddenly I am feeling a little feverish and I might be developing a tiny cough...

does that mean I get some?!?!

= )

looks great get well Stephs friend will pray for her lol

Anonymous said...

I hope your friend feels better soon. Her family will sure enjoy your delicious looking lasagna and cookies!

Pam said...

What a great friend you are - I am sure you friends were very appreciative of this fine meal. Sending good thoughts to your friend.

Jeanne said...

Seriously. Separated at birth.
I totally feel the same thing! A good batch of chocolate chip cookies can heal a multitude of hurt.
& I totally do the same thing. A coworker of mine, her husband died last year, and the six month prior to that while he was sick, I was bring her in cookies, cupcakes and breads every few weeks. Homemade things, I think, are always appreciated.
Hope your friend gets better soon.

I love people like you who always bring some comfort food :)

thanks for the recipe :D

Cucinista said...

I know this sounds sick (ha), but I have a sudden urge to fall ill so I get me some good cookin'.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow that looks amazing--loooove comfort food!

Reeni said...

What a sweetie you are! They both look yummy. Comfort food.

Maria said...

The perfect comfort food indeed!

Owl and Fox said...

None of my friends or family can cook! I feel totally duped out of the comfort food circle of love....I will just have to bake my own cookies and make someone elses day!

Sending good thoughts to your friend :)

Hannah said...

Aw, you're such a good friend... I can't imagine anyone would feel lousy after such a nice meal! :)

Unknown said...

Steph- I read your post yesterday and had to run home and give it a try. I had to make some changes since I didnt have any pesto on hand- but the end result was fabulous! I'm so happy to now have a quick lasanga recipe I can make when my friends aren't feeling well! Thanks!

stephchows said...

Thanks for all the good thoughts everyone! And thank you for all the kind words to me, you are all too wicked sweet!

Jeanne- I bet she appreciated it a ton! Life can be so hard, but it's the little things that make you get through it.

Sunshinenmeg and Cucinista- you two are too funny haha you don't have to fake sick. stop on by and I'll make you something tasty :)

Owl and Fox- Too bad no one in your fam cooks, I bet your stuff is amazing though!! And your jewelry is so beautiful!!

Amanda- I'm so glad you went right home and made it! LOL that's awesome!! And I'm super excited that you liked it :)

Maria said...

The perfect comfort food indeed!

Sunshinemeg said...

Get well lasagna? Suddenly I am feeling a little feverish and I might be developing a tiny cough...

does that mean I get some?!?!

= )

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