One of the first things I learned how to make was lasagna.  It’s so simple and easy, anyone can make it, including my 7 year old

Ingredients needed:

• 4 jars of spaghetti sauce
• 8 cups of mozzerella cheese
• 1 box of lasagna noodles
• 1 carton of cottage cheese

First things, first.  Boil noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse with cool water.  They may need time to cool before you can touch them.

1.Spray your pan

2. Spread a light layer of sauce.

3. Layer noodles on top of sauce and add a spoon full of sauce on each noodle

4. Spread the sauce over each noodle.

5.  Add a spoon full of cottage cheese on each noodle and spread out just like the sauce.

6. Add 2 cups of cheese spread out evenly.

7. Repeat all steps 3-4 times, or as pan allows room, starting with the sauce layer.

8. Finish with a layer of sauce on top.

Bake at 350 until the middle is bubbly and enjoy!  

The other day, I had a very rare occurrence happen.  We had some bananas that were turning BROWN!  It’s rare around here since I have several little monkeys that eat bananas as fast as I buy them.  Instead of tossing out the bananas, here’s how I turn them into the Easiest Banana Bread.  This recipe is one that my mom taught me.  Give it a try and see what you think!

Ingredients:

• 1 package store-bought yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 large or 3 small brown bananas
• 1 cup nuts – optional

Preptime: less than 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Tip: I find if the bananas are very brown, the banana bread is even tastier!  When our bananas start going brown, we put them in the freezer until we’re ready to make banana bread.  Just be sure to thaw them before using.

Directions:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• 2. Using a hand blender, combine bananas, eggs, water, and oil until well blended.
• 3. Slowly add cake mix.  If you desire, add nuts.
• 4. Grease 2 loaf pans or muffin tins.  For easy cleanup, use cupcake liners in the muffin tins.
• 5. Pour an even amount into each pan or tin.
• 6. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Test by sticking a toothpick in the middle – if it comes out clean, your done!  If it has some batter on it, bake until it comes out clean.

Now that we all most likely have a stockpile of FREE and CHEAP Yummy Berries, we need to figure out what to do with them.  I was browsing AllRecipes.com and came across a goodie called Triple Berry Crisp.  This includes all the berries that are cheap/free at Publix this week.  Go HERE to view the recipe.  All of the ingredients listed are staples in my house (except the berries), so I’m ready to start baking!

I have been browsing online the past hour or so looking for meal ideas for my youngest daughter’s first birthday next month.  We’re doing a cupcake theme.  While I was browsing through different cupcake ideas and themes, I came across the CUTEST cupcakes that I think will be GREAT for Father’s Day.  My in-laws are coming over next Sunday and I think the kids will have a blast making these to surprise them.  GO HERE to see how to make these nifty cupcakes!

On another note – if you have any cheap/frugal ideas for a baby’s first birthday cupcake theme, I’d love to hear them!  I have a giant cupcake pan to make a big cupcake but the rest of the party is up in the air.