LASAGNE!

Okay, true to my name - CopyCat Cooks - I saw a post from my Cousin over at Accountants can Cook? and I immediately wanted lasagne for dinner. Lasagne is something I learned to make from my mother. She doesn't have a recipe and basically pours all ingredients (meat, cheese, sauce, mushrooms) into a huge bowl and then layers it with the noodles! Really really easy! Unfortunately, it is something I don't make nearly often enough. Especially because it does so well made in advance. I have made it the night before and then just had to pop it in the oven the next day!

This was the first time I used fresh pasta. I don't think it is really necessary and actually found it made my lasagne a little more saucy than usual! I usually use the dried noodles (uncooked) - you don't have to buy the "oven ready" ones either. My mom (and now I) have only used the regular dried pasta. As long as you have enough sauce, the noodles cook up just fine while in the oven. No need to pre-boil.

In this particular lasagne I layered spiced up tomato sauce with noodles and ground chicken and raw mushrooms. I scooped generous spoonfuls of ricotta cheese throughout and then sprinkled Parmesan and added a few mozzarella slices. Then repeated until the dish was full!!!

No need to grate the cheese! What a messy step - and so much nicer when eliminated!

Needless to say, it was delicious and served us well for left overs!

CC.