Quick Baked Lasagna

I know that for lasagna purists, this is not a recipe to support the notion of “purist lasagna”. After all, a good lasagna, done correctly, is often a work of art. But remember, no one has to know how quickly you put this together, nor do they have to know that you didn’t sweat your guts out in a hot kitchen. And to all you singles out there, make a BIG impression on the date you’re cooking for. (Just put away the beeper and cell phone and pay attention to the date at the dinner table!)

The first thing to remember is not to be intimidated by the word lasagna. Every time that name comes up, coming from New York City like I do, I think of fancy Italian restaurants that make a specialty and make a living off of seriously amazing lasagna dishes. So rule one here: if they can do it, you can do it too!

Let’s approach this as a back to basics dish. Some of the basic ingredients for lasagna would be the noodles, the sauce, the cheese. Keep this in mind. This is what will serve as the staple in almost any lasagna recipe.

When you buy the pasta, the lasagna noodles, you are looking for a decent brand. They can be regular or spinach. However, they should be wide and flat (the edges can have ruffles if you like it that way, it makes it a bit prettier too). But since this is NOT a gourmet recipe, there is no need to overdo it. Of course, you can use fresh pasta, which will increase the price of this dish exponentially, although the taste is worth it. Remember though, with fresh pasta, you MUST reduce exposure to direct heat, otherwise the pasta itself will quickly burn. (I say this with great heartbreaking experience, and a totally missed opportunity for a great romantic dinner!)

Quick Baked Lasagna

Ingredients:

1. A normal size box of Lasagna pasta to your taste and taste. There are so many brands out there that your local grocery store probably has quite a few variations. In our case, if you don’t have a preference, the old “eeny meeny minie mo” will work.

2. One hundred jars of tomato sauce. (Of course you can make your own, but remember this is a quick recipe!) Thick sauce. You can even find them with some spices added, for example with garlic or basil or both.

3. Cheese again to your liking. Parmesan is often used, but can be mixed and matched. The cheese must be grated or you will have to grate it at home.

4. 1-2 small jars of sour cream

5. Let’s get a little healthy and add some spinach or broccoli leaves (or both!) Remember that if you’re getting your broccoli fresh or frozen, you’ll need to steam it at home for 15 minutes.

6. Do you like mushrooms? Hell, you’re at the supermarket, right? Opt for some fresh mushrooms to your liking. NOT! Don’t be lazy! Forget canned mushrooms. Caramba! Gross! Fresh Fresh Fresh!

7. 1 tablespoon oregano (preferably fresh and then crushed, but a spice jar will do)

8. 1 tablespoon basil (preferably fresh and then mashed, but a spice jar will do)

9. Add any type of cheese, spice or vegetable you like.

10. Olive oil

Tools you need:

1. A warm oven-safe dish

2. If you are steaming the broccoli, use a pot and vegetable steamer.

3. If you are going to grate the cheese, use a cheese grater or hand grater.

Addresses:

1. Cover the bottom of the plate with olive oil.

2. If you are steaming the broccoli, do so now.

3. Take the lasagna noodles and spread a layer on the bottom of the plate. If they are too long, don’t worry, just break them into the pieces you need. Also try lining the side of the plate. A layer of lasagna is fine.

4. Open a sour cream and pour it into the bottom on top of the first layer. Now add a layer of your tomato/lasagna sauce. Now some spinach and/or broccoli leaves. Spinach leaves can be placed and will cook. Broccoli should be cut after steaming and sprinkled.

5. If you decided on fresh mushrooms, cut them into quarters more or less and sprinkle them.

6. Now sprinkle half the tablespoon of oregano and/or basil.

7. Now put a layer of cheese. Not much. Just sprinkle a little here and there.

8. If there is room for another layer of lasagna, go back to steps 3-7 and repeat.

9. Now the final layer of lasagna, and top it with cheese. You want that cheese to melt on those noodles.

10. Cover the plate with aluminum foil.

11. Put the plate in an oven at 350º Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

12. Set the table – OK. Yuck! no plastic Oh! What are you doing, going on a picnic?

13. Two long colored candles will help. Sheesh… do I have to show them everything?

14. Go shower and get dressed for your date and warn the kids that if they show up, it will be under penalty of not having an allowance for a year. (That should work)

15. Take a look under the foil. You will probably need another 10-15 minutes.

16. If you are serving white wine, make sure it is in the refrigerator and cold.

17. All set? Put the oven at a warm temperature (around 50º). Put down the foil and pray your date isn’t allergic to cheese!

18. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, take a deep breath, and go find your date.

This can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Always remember the three basic foods. Cheese, lasagna noodles and good rich tomato sauce. The rest is up to you. This can be quick or, if you let yourself, it can have you messing around with tons of great ingredients for an hour or so. So take this one to town or get it dirty. Oh. I almost forget it. Good luck on your date! (And remember to set the table with napkins).