I think this goes without saying but we are not a happy household right now.  It has not been a good night since our poor Eagles lost AND I have to leave tomorrow morning   Boooooooo!

The only good thing that did happen tonight was our delicious dinner!  I decided to attempt my first lasagna tonight in the hopes that it would turn out well and I could have some leftovers for Bill to have another “reheat and eat” meal while I’m away.  Well, it turned out amazing… Not to boost my own self-esteem but I really think it was the best lasagna I ever had

We also had a spring mix salad topped with cucumbers, red peppers, and carrots.

Here’s my lasagna recipe:

• 1.2 lbs ground beef, 93 or 99% ff
• 26 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1 can tomato paste
• 15 ounces ff ricotta
• 16 ounces shredded mozarella
• 1 c Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1/8 c chopped parsley
• 1 tsp salt, pepper, garlic powder each
• 9 pieces whole wheat lasagna (the kind you don’t have to cook)

In a large pan over medium-high heat, brown ground beef.  When done, drain well.  Add in spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and water; let simmer for 10 minutes or until well combined and heated through.  In another bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 c parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasonings.

In a 13×9 Pyrex dish, pour a thin layer of meat/sauce combination to coat bottom of dish.  On top of the layer, place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise.  Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of noodles.  Pour a layer of sauce on top.  Top with another layer of noodles, cheese, and sauce.  Finally, layer on three lasagna noodles and pour remainder of sauce on top.  Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozarella cheese and then 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.   I also sprinkled on parsley, pepper, and garlic powder on top.

I made this up yesterday and put it in the fridge (covered well with foil).  However you can make it right before you bake also.

To cook, I baked it at 350 degrees for 45 minutes covered.  Remove the foil and bake for 20 additional minutes.  Let it stand for a good 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.  I made a lot, so I will be freezing some of the leftovers!

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Now, I’m off to finish up my packing.  Half of my suitcase is filled with snacks for me, can you tell I like to be prepared?!  Since it’s a business trip, I get my meals paid for, but I just still felt a little uneasy going without anything and then by the time I planned out all of my snacks, I realized I went overboard, but at least I’m prepared!  Chances are I might not even eat any of these, but then again, you never know

My “snack” bag includes:  Pure Protein bar, Z Bar, Clif bar, Larabars, 2 clementines, Kashi GoLean bars, three servings of oatmeal, bag of Cinnamon Puffins, bag of Kashi Heart to Heart.

After I’m done packing, I’m planning on watching the rest of the Pittsburgh game ~ hopefully one PA team can go to the superbowl! 

I am leaving for the airport at 5am tomorrow so this is MY last post until Saturday, but there will be a post or two each day on the blog so check in ~ have a great week guys and I hope you enjoy what I have planned for you all Mon through Fri!!!!!