For Valentine's Day this year, Matt and I are staying in and making our own dinner. What's on the menu you ask? Why, lasagna soup, of course! It's all about the comfort food. Matt and I tend to keep things mellow on Valentine's Day. I can get a bit Charlie Brown-like and go around shouting, "It's gone commercial!" So, we like to celebrate by making something special for one another at home.
If you decide to stay in this year too, you are in luck because I have teamed up with some awesome gals to bring a smattering of Valentine's Day dinner and food ideas. Here is the brilliant list for your viewing pleasure:
- Camille is going with a French theme and making crepes and creme brulee for dessert. Yum!
- Kayla has a rich panang curry served with rice, and then chocolate croissants and hot chocolate to indulge in after.
- Deidre is making is going south of the border and making mouth-watering smothered ranch chicken burritos.
- Alex is whipping up tortilla soup and cheddar and chili cornbread. (Give me all the cornbread!)
- Jen is doing a romantic brunch, which includes Leige waffles with all the toppings, bacon, and eggs.
- Janssen is making a hearty Valentine's Day breakfast with her family and they are having baked croissant French toast with lemon cream cheese.
- Amberly is giving awesome tips for a romantic night at home, which includes pork chops, drop rolls and roasted broccoli with parmesan. Yes, please!
Lasagna Soup Recipe
Yields 4 servings
Cook time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chicken stock
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic salt
8 lasagna noodles
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
Directions:
1. In a large pot, break up Italian sausage and cook over medium heat until brown. Add in onions and garlic until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken stock and all of the spices to the pot. Bring to a slight boil and then reduce the heat to allow it to simmer.
3. While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles separately until al dente. (Cooking them separately ensures they do not overcook and become too soft.) Once they are done, ladle yourself a bowl of the soup and add 1-2 of them per bowl of soup.
4. Combine the cheeses in a small bowl and mix well. Then add 2 heaping tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto your soup. Serve with small slices of sourdough bread.
5. For dessert, be sure to make these yummy cinnamon rolls. They satisfy the sweet tooth and make for an excellent breakfast the next day! Enjoy!
