Recipes

When Jonathan and I got married I discovered I love to cook! Since I have been staying home I have started trying all kinds of new recipes. I don't think I have made the same thing twice in months. I have even tried to make things recently that I have been intimidated to make like pot roast and lasagna. I found this lasagna recipe in this months Southern Living, and it is AMAZING. It was too good not to share!

Ingredients
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 (24-oz.) container 4% small-curd smooth-and-creamy cottage cheese
1 (16-oz.) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup refrigerated pesto
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups (10 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 (24-oz.) jars tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare noodles according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, stir together cottage cheese and next 4 ingredients. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
3. Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 6 to 7 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in pasta sauce.
4. Layer 1 cup beef mixture, 3 noodles, and 2 1/2 cups cottage cheese mixture in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with 3 noodles, 2 cups beef mixture, and 3 more noodles. Top with remaining cottage cheese mixture, 3 noodles, and beef mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake, covered, at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes or until cheese is browned. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

For dessert I made Almond Joy brownies. I just started liking coconut when I was pregnant with Jon David. Now I can't get enough! I found this easy recipe online. It was a bake off recipe in the 50s

Ingredients

4 ounces almond joy candy bars (4 whole regular sized candy bars or 8 miniature candy bars)
1/2 cup butter or shortening (I prefer butter, but original recipe called for shortening)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F.
Grease 9-inch square pan.
In medium saucepan over low heat, melt candy bars and shortening, stirring occasionally until chocolate and shortening are melted.
Add sugar and vanilla; blend well.
Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in flour, salt and chopped almonds; mix well.
Spread in greased pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center.
Cool completely; cut into bars.