Knock, knock. Who's there? LASAGNA!

Remember how I am convinced that I am this tall, slender, elegant, Italian woman? An Italian goddess who can eat pasta every single day of her life and never gain an ounce of cellulite or acquire multiple chins or clogged arteries and stuff. Yup. That's the happy place of denial I go to every time I want to indulge in heavenly foods. And while I would find this a worrisome trait of mine, rest assured that this state of mind is purely visited in moderation.

Now. Let's get to the important stuff. LASAGNA. (That's underlined because it's a recipe link.) I mean, that's why you clicked on this post, correct? Lasagna definitely is a citizen of my happy place. I mean just look at it? Bubbly, gooey, cheesy, saucy, meaty, carb-y, tomato-y bliss.

So I work at this college in the mornings, right? And I have some student staff workers that I love getting to know. They are all so different and ambitious and most of all.......hungry. Not just hungry for success, like hungry. Seriously. They're poor college kids and they usually don't know how to cook that well, yet. (That just reminded me, I need to write the recipe for my 7 minute Ramen chow mein. So easy.) Anyway, every year, I host an FPU (Fresno Pacific University) Christmas party at our home. I've done something different every year, and this time, I made my lasagna. Yes, my lasagna. As in, the recipe I put together and did a lot of trial and error with. I also made my past alfredo with ham and peas (also another recipe I need to remember to write down!) So everything was a hit. I love doing the Christmas party because it allows us all to gather and learn who we all are outside of work. You know, break bread, talk, play board games that later lead to embarrassing moments and future opportunities for blackmail. (Okay, maybe minus that last part.) But a way to come together and create fun, intimate memories.

This lasagna is a little bit of a process, as is any lasagna if you do it correctly. There's the cheap way to do lasagna, and then there's the right way to do lasagna. (Oh yeah. I said it.) I'm not saying that to shame those who don't want to put in the time or money. However, I equate lasagna to a fancy meal like steak! It isn't for every occasion and can be costly. But if you're going to do it, do it right! Make sure you use good meat combinations, use San Marzano tomatoes, the right kind of cheese (low moisture, whole milk mozzarella. This is actually very important because it keeps your lasagna from being watery and still allows for melty goodness!) My point is, there are some dishes that just require quality ingredients all the way around. And in my opinion, lasagna is one of them. I hope you try this recipe; maybe even put your own spin on it and give me some tips! (But if your tip is to tell me to use veal also, I already know this. Remember, I'm still a musician. I make good money 5 times a year. Gotta draw the line somewhere.) Mi piacciono le cose buone della vita, ma non ho i soldi. (Italian: "I enjoy the good things of life, but I have no money.") Have fun!

-FTF