On Sunday evening we will be having as guests our adorable two grand-daughters and their wonderful mom from Pennsylvania! I will be serving Lasagna, Insalata Verdi, Garlic Bread and Tiramisu. It is truly a "kid-friendly" dinner and adults love it as well, especially the dessert!! Buono apetito!!

Lasagna

I thought I made great lasagna until I had this particular one I am sharing with you. It is a lasagna that stands on its own, not a runny and messy one. I think this lasagna would look wonderful in a commercial...and it tastes awesome!!

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large can tomatoes cut up
1 12 oz. can tomato paste
1 1/2 t. salt
1 t. dried basil
1 t. oregano
1/4 t. pepper
4 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan
3 eggs, beaten
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 lb. cooked lasagna noodles
1 lb. mozarella cheese, thin sliced

Brown beef. Drain, add onions and garlic. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, slat, basil, oregano and pepper. Simmer 30 mts., Stirring occ. Commbine ricotta parmesan, eggs, parsley and 1 1/2 t5. salt. Trim noodles to fit pan, layer with ricotta, sauce and mozarella. Repeat layers. Bake at 375 for 30 mts. Let stand 10 mts. before cutting into 3" squares. Makes 9 servings

Insalata Verdi

Mixed greens
sliced red and green peppers
cucumbers
parmesan cheese, to sprinkle on
1 tomato cut up
handful cut up olives
handful cubed mozzarella cheese
handful croutons
Oil and Vinegar Vinaigrette Dressing

Tiramisu

Makes 8-19 servings

5 eggs, separated (Egg whites to be beaten til stiff peaks form)
3/4 cup sugar
1 t. vanilla
6 T. cognac
16 oz. Mascarpone Cheese
2 pkgs. ladyfingers
1 cup strong espresso
cocoa powder to dust over

Beat the egg yolks well. Slowly add sugar and beat til creamy. Add vanilla, cognac, and cheese. Blend well. Fold in the beaten eggs whites. Dip ladyfingers in coffee and place at bottom of 9x13x2 pan. Cover with cheese mixture, repeat layer. Dust with cognac and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

This is a sensational dessert and you will be asked for this recipe without fail. This recipe rivals any gourmet restaurant. It is the BEST!!!