Italian Fest

Romantic date?  In-law visit?  Company dinner?  If you need to prepare a special meal, then consider an italian meal. It seems to work for most people.  But just in case, it is best to understand if anyone in your party has any dietary restrictions.  If not, then here is an awesome menu sure to please. 

Menu

The Best Lasagna. Ever. (official title, I swear)

Italian Salad

Garlic Bread

Red Wine

When prepping a dinner that is making you a little stressed it is always wise to establish a timeline of when you are going to prepare each item. I will keep it simple for you:

Two days prior…

• Buy all the ingredients. I've posted your shopping list at the very bottom of the post.  If you don't have a cute salad dressing bottle or a mason jar, then buy one - they aren't too expensive.

Between 24 to 4 hours prior to the dinner…

• Whip up the salad dressing. The longer the salad dressing is mixed together, the longer the flavors get a chance to mingle and become tastier. Mix ingredients together and seal in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Salad Dressing 

3 pinches of sugar

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp fresh flat parsley leaves, finely chopped

1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped

3 tsp lemon juice

Coarse Salt to Taste

Two hours prior to the dinner…

• Begin making the lasagna using Pioneer Woman's most excellent instructions.  
• Two tips:  (1) Start cooking your beef and sausage mixture prior to cooking your noodles. You will have time to cook the noodles while the mixture is simmering. 
• (2) Buy two packages of swiss cheese or one extra large package. The 6 count package is never enough.

While lasagna is cooking…

• Get your garlic bread prepped and ready to go (i.e., open the package).  I don't have an awesome recipe for garlic bread, but check out the freezer section of your grocery store.  MOST garlic breads take 5 minutes to heat, but be sure to read the instructions prior to purchasing.
• Also, prepare your salad by cutting the cherry tomatoes and olives. Wash and dry the arugula.
• Place the silverware and wine glasses on the table.

After lasagna has finished cooking… 

• The lasagna will need to set for a few minutes and while it is setting...
• Place your garlic bread in the oven.
• Toss the salad ingredients (tomatoes, olives and arugula) with the salad dressing (use your hand to ensure you get it all mixed up).
• Open the bottle of wine and pour yourself a glass… because this dinner is almost done.

After garlic bread is finished baking…

• Wrap the garlic bread in a cloth napkin and place it in a basket for the center of the table.  If you don't have a basket, then slice the bread and keep it in the kitchen.
• Dish up each plate with some salad, garlic bread, and lasagna.

All done! Easy, right???

Shopping List

Sugar

Red Wine Vinegar

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley

12 Oz Cherry Tomatoes

1/2 cup Kalamata Olives

1 Lemon

1 Red Onion

Arugula

Coarse Sea Salt

• 1-1/2 pound Ground Beef
• 1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 cans (14.5 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 Ounce) Tomato Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Lowfat Cottage Cheese
• 2 whole Beaten Eggs
• 1/2 cup Grated (not Shredded) Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 package (10 Ounce) Lasagna Noodles
• Garlic Bread (make sure it doesn't take a long time to heat)
• Red Wine - I love Alamos Red Blend (not expensive and you can find it everywhere)
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