DRESSING FOR DINNER

Elizabeth Scokin Loves a Little Glam~

Dressing for dinner and setting the table are part of family tradition in my home.
There is a wonderful sense of security that comes with knowing what is correct in the order of flatwear, where to place the glasses, plates, and napkins that every child and adult should have. My children become part of helping with dinner by allowing them to set the table in a creative, yet traditional way.
Part of that tradition is also "dressing for dinner"...meaning brushed hair, no baseball caps...totally freshening up on a school night. On weekends, I expect much more polish.
Sometimes I can't do much more on a hectic school night than throw on one of my Haute Hostess Aprons...and it totally does refresh me and instantly glams me up! The children get a sense of order and calm when we sit down together, share our meal, and talk about our day. Here is a recipe that we all love and there are happy smiles all round, when they find out we are having
lasagna! Also, the saucy apron above with the retro Italian hair- do make it all the more fun~
MAMA MIA!!! Let's eat!

Turkey Lasagna

1 cup chopped onion
2 crushed cloves garlic
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 16 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 6 oz. tomato paste
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 dried thyme
1 bat leaf
1 whole stalk celery, leaves removed
2 cups water

In large saucepan, combine all ingredientsand simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaf and celery stalk.

1 pound lean ground turkey
1 t. fennel seeds
1/2 t.crushed red pepper flakes
8 ozs. lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
16 oz. low fat cottage cheese
1 lb. shredded mazzarella cheese
8 oz. shredded parmesan cheese

Brown ground turkeyin large skillet, drain fat. Add meat to sauce with fennel seeds and red pepper. in a lightly oiled 9x13 inch pan, layer half of the noodles, sauce, cottage cheese and mozzarella. Repeat layers in a second time and sprinkle parmesan on top. Cover with lightly oiled
foil. Bake at 350 degees for 45050 minutes. Serves 10-12. DELICIOUS! I like to place my pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.