Margherita Pizza - Joe finds his inner Italian

The basil in the garden was ready for picking which was handy because Joe suggested Margherita pizza for the menu this week. So, I dug up a pizza dough recipe that I have been wanting to try and we made it an event of it.

Again, I used Gwenth's recipe for the pizza sauce. It was super easy and turned out creamy and delish. See the pizza dough in the background, already rising.

After about an hour the dough is ready and Joe sets out to roll out the dough, channeling his inner Italian.

With the dough rolled out, he starts on the first pizza.
She's a beauty!

I try the tossing method. It was easier than I thought!

Please disregard my evil red eyes. Dang flash!

Matthew lends a helping hand. He loves to make a mess/pizza.

Joe's finished masterpiece! We both agreed that we went too light with the basil, could have used more~ but it was really tasty all the same. I'll definitely try it topped with arugula next time.

Carson isn't much of an eater, but finished managed to his plate for the first time in a long time.

Matthew approved!
Is there anything more perfect than pizza from scratch! And boys that actually enjoy their dinner. It was so delicious, and I have leftover dough and sauce for calzones and another Greco dinner adventure. Stay tuned!

Four Cheese and Spinach Lasagna - Lent Special

We are splurging on a sitter tonight and going to the neighbor's house for some adult time, a little dinner and a few bottles of wine (Jenn, I'll drink for two since you're with child. Man, am I a good friend or what?)

I offered to bring the main course and since it is Lent I made a Four Cheese and Spinach Lasagna using whole wheat noodles and fresh spinach. Super easy and substantial, you'll hardly miss the meat.

Here is a picture tutorial, and the recipe can be found here.

Pre-heat your oven to 350 F and boil your noodles according to the package instructions. I love using whole wheat noodles. Also, to save time you can use your favorite jar sauce or make your sauce from scratch ahead of time. I love Giada's marinara sauce.

Saute your spinach in a little olive oil and garlic.

This much spinach

will reduce to about..

Put on a plate with double paper towels and let cool while you mix up the cheese mixture. The four cheeses I used are all low fat. I used a silky, creamy skim milk ricotta instead of cottage cheese.

Add the cooled spinach to the cheese mixture.

Here are all the components ready to assemble. Tomato sauce, noodles, cheese mixture. Repeat. Top with a healthy handful (or two) of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake.

After 40 minutes in the oven you get this vision of loveliness.. I can't wait to dig in! 

Spaghetti Bolognese (Kid Friendly)

I tried the Spaghetti Bolognese recipe from the kid friendly cookbook and it was pretty bland. I ended up adding a cup of white wine, some garlic salt and a tablespoon of brown sugar. It still needed lots of salt & pepper at the table and a healthy sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Pretty easy to make though and very few ingredients.

And what did the kids think?

They ate it and that is good enough for me!

5 Year Wedding Anniversary Cocktails

Asparagus rolls (at Asparagus, Merrillville, Ind.)

Beef lemongrass sate.

Caprese Salad at Lucrezia's (Crown Point, Ind.)

Limoncello Lemon Drop Martinis