What's Cooking This Week

Okay, I know I've already shared some recipes this week for the upcoming Super Bowl so forgive me for doing another recipe post in one week.  Just had to share this one.  I've made lasagna before but wanted to try a different recipe for my "food critic" to enjoy.  Let me tell you, this is one easy recipe to make and it was delicious.  I will warn you, this makes lots of lasagna for two people!!  lol   I had so much left over I asked my youngest daughter if she'd like some...the answer was "Yes, Please!!"

The food critic enjoyed it...guess two helpings was needed for the taste test.  When he finished he decided I needed to find another lasagna recipe to try!!  I think the thought here is...the more the better for taste testing.  So... I have a favor to ask...if you have a really good lasagna recipe that uses Italian sausage, would you please share your recipe with me?  (That was the "food critic's" request for lasagna 2!!)  I'll even post your recipe and give you all the credit!!!  :)

Oh...this recipe is even better the next day and that's saying something since I usually don't do leftovers!!   Well, best get back to searching for that Italian sausage lasagna recipe.  Ciao!!


Bon Appétit!!

Mama Gene’s Lasagna                        

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salad oil
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 (1-pound) package Mueller’s lasagna noodles
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
In a large heavy pan, lightly brown beef and onion in oil. Add tomatoes, paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook lasagna as directed on package, drain. In 9 x 13-inch baking pan, spread about 1 cup of sauce. Begin alternating layers of lasagna, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, ending with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly browned and bubbling. Allow to stand for 15 minutes; cut into squares to serve. Makes 8 servings.
— Genie Williams

From The Closet

One of the things I promised myself I would do upon retiring is organize my house.  Now let me tell you, it's not an easy task by any means and far from exciting!!  I don't know about you but for me the closet is a nightmare at times.  Seems there is never enough room for everything...don't know why closets have to be so small! LOL

Anyway, I've started tackling the closets in my house this week and at times I've regretted even starting!!  I was and am a "suit woman".  Yep, I love suits and my closet shows that!!  Up until recently, my daily wardrobe consisted of a suit. Of course lately I've been wearing jeans a lot.  Now I haven't worn jeans except on weekends for years so this is a new phase for me.  Haven't quite figured out how to wear my suits around the house or to visit Wal-Mart!!  LOL

I'm not finished with the closets yet because I am determined to organize everything properly and to my satisfaction.  In the past I've done the closets but within a certain time frame so it hasn't really been as productive as I've wanted.  Now with no time frame needed, I can finally get it done to my perfectionist satisfaction!!  It's driving my husband crazy!!

Guess when spring gets here, I'll be ready to have a yard sale.  Now that will make my husband extremely happy!  Until then, you'll probably find me in the closet!!  (just kidding)

It's All In Your Attitude

Mid-morning at Wal-Mart is sooooo different than mid-afternoon!!!  No long lines, no large crowds...makes shopping fairly easy.  So here I am at Wal-Mart getting a few groceries when I decide to check out the music and video section. I've decided to learn some line dance and hip-hop exercies.  Yep, a new adventure on the horizon!!

Anyway, I get my items and head toward the checkout line.  To my surprise...here are 5 cashiers standing at the entrances of their lines...a first for me to observe at Wal-Mart.  So as I go by, I smile and  laughingly say " Looks like you ladies don't have anything to do?"  Now, I wasn't being smart...just making an observation (guess my surprise just took over my brain for a moment)!!  I knew as soon as I said it, it was a no-no.  If looks could have done injury to me...I'd be in the hospital!!  Never mind not a single one said, "I'll be glad to check you out if you're ready."  But...that's okay, I'm still smiling.

So I walk down towards the end of the checkout lines and a cashier is actually at her register so I push my cart down.  I smile (she hadn't heard my earlier comment) and say "How are you today?".  Never have I seen such a frown or had such an icy response (no response, nope not one word)...so I think, "Okay, not a good day for her!" as I unload my shopping cart.  I'm prepared for a silent checkout!!  But...that's okay, I'm still smiling. 

Now I'm not sure what happened (maybe the fact I'm still smiling) but all of a sudden she begins to ask me about the weather, looks at my cd's (Lady Gaga) and even questions my music choice.  So I explain I need something to listen to while on the treadmill and she smiles (yep) and says that sounds like a good idea.

I'm ready to pay..having put all the bags in my cart except one bag which I'm leaving until the payment process is complete.  She looks to see if any bags are left, smiles again and tells me "Now don't forget this bag with your exercise goodies".  Smiling, I say "Thank you" as I place the bag in my cart.  As I turn to leave I wish her a good day and she smiles and wishes me one as well.  I am quite amazed at this point!!

Walking away I think..."You know Deb..it's all in your attitude, isn't it?"  Amazing how one's attitude has the power to help another person's attitude.  Not rocket science...just a good reminder!!!

Guess I'll keep smiling...especially at Wal-Mart but I'll leave my observations about some things in my brain! 



"A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."Anonymous