What's for Dinner? Spinach Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles

14 ozs. marinara sauce

6 ounces ricotta cheese

4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

1 10 oz. package of frozen spinach (or fresh spinach)

1 Tbs. oil

half a white onion, diced

1)Cook noodles until al dente as directed on package. 

2)Meanwhile, place oil in a pan and heat on low. Add diced onion and saute until onion is tender and clear. Add thawed spinach and saute 4-5 minutes.

3)Cover the bottom of a 2 quart rectangular baking dish (I like pyrex) with some of the marinara sauce. Layer 3 noodles on top of it. 

4)Spread half the ricotta cheese over the noodles. Layer the spinach on top of the ricotta and cover with three noodles.

5)Pour more of the marinara over the noodles. Sprinkle half the mozzarella on top of the sauce. Cover with three noodles

6)Spread remainder of ricotta over noodles. Sprinkle remainder of mozzarella on top of ricotta. Top with three remaining noodles. Pour sauce over the noodles.

7) Bake at 350 for twenty minutes. (If you prefer super crispy noodles you can bake for longer).

What's for dinner? Garlic Scape Pesto

Ever try planting a garlic bulb and see a little green shoot sticking up from the earth? Or (far more common) have you ever left  garlic unused for a little too long and find a green seedling inside when you split it open? That my friends is the garlic scape. Farmers cut it so that the plant devotes all of it's energy towards producing a nice hefty bulb. If left uncut, the scape would turn white and the bulb would be rather small. This is especially fortunate for us since the young green scape is a delightfully potent addition to any kitchen. You can use scapes in almost all recipes that call for garlic. However, don't be fooled by it's scallion-esque appearance. This little guy packs a big punch in every bite.

 

Garlic Scape Pesto:

5 garlic scapes

1 bunch basil

1 Tbs. pine nuts

1 Tbs. parmesan cheese

1/3 cup extra  virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Chop scapes, basil and pine nuts in a food processor. Add cheese, salt and pepper. While the processor is running add in the oil. 

This pesto is great poured over pasta or spread on a panini or wrap.

Can't find scapes in your grocery store? Try your local farmers market instead.