2008 Meet 2009

Sometimes the best way to embrace the new is by recognizing and respecting all the old things that have played a part in getting us to where we are at this very moment. Even the bad things that happen to us have there place in forming who we are and what we can become. Every person, each experience, every moment creates the bridge on which we cross to reach the next chapter of our lives. So instead of doing away with the old let us instead embrace it and find a way to blend it with the new to create possibilities.
I look at the New Year as life’s rear view mirror, always watchful of the things behind us while carefully maneuvering through all of life’s twists and turns to better reach our destination.

Seafood Lasagna

8 tbsp. butter
8 tbsp. all purpose flour
1 c. cream
1 c. milk
1 c. chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg
1 lb. lasagna, "no boil type"
10 oz. frozen spinach, thaw and drain on paper towels
16 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. mozzarella cheese
8 oz. provolone cheese
1 can sliced mushrooms or saute 1 cup of fresh mushrooms
2 sliced onions
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 tomato, cut and peeled
1 1/2 lb. seafood (shrimp, crabmeat)
Parsley and rosemary to taste

To make sauce, melt butter and add flour. Take it off the burner, add cream, milk and broth. Put back on burner. Stir constantly. When everything is mixed, take it off the fire. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. To make lasagna, saute onions and mushrooms in butter and oil. Add spinach, tomato, parsley and rosemary. Add seafood. In a greased lasagna pan, pour some sauce, place some lasagna, seafood, mozzarella, ricotta sauce, provolone, and press it down before you begin second layer. Follow same order as first layer, ending with lasagna strips and sauce. Be sure to generously cover with sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.

Photo/PaulaVB/Flickr