Brie~Leigh Panini

Brie~Leigh Panini

Guest post by my wife, Leigh

Leigh is rarely in the kitchen except to eat (her words, not mine!).  But during our extended home stay, her culinary interests have increased a bit.  She recently put together one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted and we had no choice but to share – The Brie by Leigh Panini Sandwich is just too good to keep to ourselves. 

Ingredients:

  • Brie
  • Ham and/or Chicken Sliced Fresh and Fully Cooked (lunchmeat can work too)
  • Thick Whole Grain Bread
  • Pepper Jelly (homemade but not yet posted) or fig or peach jam
  • Apple or pear, sliced very thin
  • Butter or butter spray (like Pam) or olive oil

Preparation:

  •  Spread outside of bread lightly with butter, butter-flavored cooking spray or olive oil
  •  Spread inside of bread (one side only) with pepper jelly
  •  Place meat, brie and fruit slices inside bread
  •  Grill (as you would grilled cheese) sandwich on both sides until bread is golden brown or place in a two-sided grill and heat as you would a panini
  • Eat and enjoy!

Lasagna w/ Italian Meat Sauce

Lasagna w/ Italian Meat Sauce

I’ve been make this Lasagna w/ Italian Meat Sauce for many years and it is always a crowd pleaser. This time I upped my game a little by using homemade lasagna noodles. I usually make a double recipe and make one for the freezer for a later date or as a meal for family/friends in need of an easy and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

  • Ricotta Cheese Filling
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 cups ricotta cheese
    • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 Tbs. dried parsley, I prefer fresh parsley if available
    • 1 tsp. kosher salt
    • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
    • 1 Lb. or more mozzarella cheese
  • Italian Meat Sauce
Italian Meat Sauce

Preparations:

  • Italian Meat Sauce
    • Prepare per linked recipe above
  • Ricotta Cheese Filling
    • Beat eggs
    • Add ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper
    • Mix all together thoroughly
  • Assembly
    • lightly spray 13 x 9 Pyrex dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking
    • Layer of lasagna noodles
    • Spread 1/3 to 1/2 Ricotta cheese filling
      • Depends on how many layers you can get in your pan, I try for three (3)
    • Sprinkle 1/3 to 1/2 mozzarella cheese
    • Ladle in 1/3 to 1/2 Italian Meat Sauce
    • Repeat with layers 2 & 3
    • Top with mozzarella and parmesan
    • Bake 375° for 45 minutes

The lasagna can be assembled early and refrigerated or you can freeze for a later date (thaw thoroughly).