Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

Calorie Content: 425 a serving (4 servings to a recipe)
Cost Per Serving: $2.17

Spinach and artichokes are two of my favorite foods.  Tonight I thought to myself...why not put them into a lasagna?  I wanted to keep the tomato/mozzarella goodness of a regular lasagna but simply add the elements of spinach and artichokes.  I am very happy with the results.

This recipe includes homemade pasta noodles, but you could of course used store bought.  I love to make my own pasta and it is easier than you would think!  Depending on who you talk to, or what website you look at, you will find a million different recipes for pasta dough.  Play around and find the ones you like!  No matter which one you choose, they all taste better than store bought dry pasta, that is for sure.

Baked Spaghetti and Cheese

Tonight my hairdresser mentioned Mac and cheese and I thought to myself...hmmm I could go for some of that. But without high quality cheese and some Gouda in my fridge, I wasn't about to do a simple Mac and cheese! In this recipe, I used additional ingredients to dress up some standard mild cheddar that I had left over from the weekend.  There's always a way to make do with what you have lying around the house!

Baked Spaghetti and Cheese

"Meaty" Gravy

One thing that I am struggling with now that I am not eating meat, is getting that feeling of a heavy, "meaty" dish when I am looking for that.  The other night I decided to experiment and I figured out a pretty good recipe for a "gravy" that could be used on rice, egg noodles, tofu, etc.  This is a weekday recipe where I chose to start with a pre-made gravy rather than make my own, and then add my own components to it to thicken and spice it up!  You could make your own gravy to do this as well, but I like to save some time on the weekdays!  This recipe proves that food with a lot of flavor and texture doesn't always have to take a long time to prepare!

"Meaty" Gravy served over sushi rice with grilled squash and peppers

Black Bean Pancakes

I am a huge breakfast person.  I don't feel right without starting my day with a big plate that will keep me satisfied until lunch.  In my quest for new breakfast recipes, I came across this recipe and in true Lauren fashion, edited it a little bit to suit my needs. 

Black Bean Pancake with Fried Egg, Sour Cream and Avocado

Potatoes Au Gratin with a Twist

I know it's been a while since I've updated this, there has been a lot going on in my life that I've been trying to figure out and work through.  Last night I decided that I need to start doing what I enjoy again and stop dwelling so here I go!
I have been cooking a lot with one major change! I went vegetarian a month ago and haven't looked back.  After biting into something that had a bone piece in it and shouldn't have, I became disgusted and haven't had any desire to eat meat since.  I don't know if this is something that will last, or a phase I'll go through before I feel like eating meat again...but I haven't had the desire and I haven't forced myself (what's the point of that?).

But anyways...enough about that and onto the food.  Last night I got home, and needed to do something with some leftovers.  The result was this invention...Potatoes au Gratin with a twist.

The picture leaves something to desired, but let me assure you, the taste was great!