"ZUCCHINI LASAGNA"

Hey...hope everyone is staying warm..."Winter Wonderland" here. My zucchini lasagna recipe was inspired by my doctor last year. Little humor sense I was told to "shed a few pounds". This recipe is using my Homemade Spaghetti Sauce from yesterday but it's so versatile that you can make a Vegetarian lasagna as well. My son-in-law (Chris) has wanted this recipe for awhile so have fun with it. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS: homemade spaghetti sauce
6 medium zucchini's sliced
8 oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese
lrg. cottage cheese (small curd)
Italian seasoning

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Spray glass pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread sauce to cover bottom of pan. Season with Italian Seasoning. Layer sliced zucchini's, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with sauce sliced zucchini's, etc. 2-3 times depending on size of pan. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for about 45 min. or until tender (ovens vary). Remove... spread mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 15 min. or until cheese completely melts. Serve with tossed salad and garlic bread if you desire.

TWIST: vegetarian lasagna use a sauce that does not contain meat and assemble as above. You can actually use 2 (8oz) cans of tomato sauce (basil, garlic, oregano).

TOMORROW: Italian Sub Sandwich

DESIGN TIP:  flooring...depending on the budget you can accent certain rooms with different style of flooring. When designing "spec" or "model" homes, I like to highlight the entry, formal dining, formal living, and main walk space throughout the home with wood floors. You can break off into tile floors in kitchen, breakfast nook, and carpet in family room and bedrooms. This makes your entry more eye appealing and is beneficial for re-sale value as well. If you are on a budget use same aspect with tile instead of wood floors. You can always lay tile on diagonal to define your space as well. Remember take the size of your home into consideration because you want to create a nice flow throughout your home. Always take your family's lifestyle into consideration. If you have pets check with the type of flooring you are choosing to make sure it is "pet friendly". Get creative, have fun, and remember...It's Your Home.