Meatball Cheesy Béchamel Lasagna

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. 

2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 

3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.  - Psalm 14:1-3

Lasagna pasta cooked al dente. 

Fresh is best if possible.

Batch of meatball, I make mine but Publix has ready made (fresh) that are great.

Brown in a splash of olive oil.

Mash, place in plate and set aside.

Red Sauce:

1 can 1lb 12 oz of Nina San Marzano tomatoes( Costco) Mash with hand

1 c Cabernet Sauvignon 

1/2 c water

Olive oil

3 T roasted garlic

1 T sugar

1 t coarse sea salt

1/2 c Trader Joe's Italian Cheese blend

1/8 c Herb blend, fresh cilantro, dried rosemary, oregano, thyme

Add oil in skillet, heat and add garlic, sauté 1 minute.

Add tomatoes and the rest of sauce ingredients.

Cook on low heat 15 minutes.

Take off heat.

2 c frozen spinach 

Microwave and pat dry.

Add a little Béchamel and stir.

Set aside.

Béchamel sauce

4 T butter

1/8 c flour

In a sauce pan, melt butter, add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring. 

Then add the following ingredients:

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 t Sugar

1/4 t nutmeg

2 c milk

1/2 c heavy Cream

1/2 c half and half

1/2 c ricotta

1/2 c Trader Joe's Italian blend

Lightly boil until really thick.

Set aside.

Layer scant amount of both sauces in bottom of 13x9 pan.

Add pasta, then 1/3 of red sauce, then 1/3 of Béchamel, 1/3 of the spinach, repeat a total of 3 times.

To bake:

375 preheated degrees

45 minutes, uncovered

Lightly top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan 

Brisket Conecuh Sausage and Chicken Gumbo

In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, "There is no God."  - Psalm 10:4

There is nothing better on a cold day!!

2 c Beef brisket, I keep some of this in the freezer

2 c rotisserie chicken, I used breast

2 c hickory smoked Conecuh sausage, chopped, I cook on grill and keep in freeze

2 c okra, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 Leek, chopped

4 qt water

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1 smoked pepper in adobo, mashed

1 can stewed tomatoes

1/2 c BBQ sauce I used my own recipe

1/2 c Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce

1 t Cajun seasoning

1/2 t garlic granules 

4 T chicken base seasoning( this makes the stock)

Few turns cracked black pepper

Bring to boil, turn to medium and cook uncovered, stirring often, 45 minutes.

Add in the last 10 minutes.

1 c Minute Rice

Serve over cornbread!

Mexican Pezole Rojo

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:30-31

2 c left over Mexican pulled pork( recipe on this blog under Mexican tab)

4 qt water

1 can hominy, drained ( you can add 2 cans)

1 can beans, black or pinto, drained

1 Leek, chopped

2 T roasted garlic

1 bay leaf

1/2 t Cilantro 

1/4 salsa verde, I love Herdez brand

1/4 t oregano 

2 T chili powder 

1 -1/2 T toasted cumin powder

2 T chicken base seasoning

1/2 t smoked pasilla chili powder, I made my own from the dried peppers I got at the Mexican market

1 t sugar

Put all ingredients in 5 qt pan and bring to a boil.

Simmer 45 minutes.

This is a bold flavored soup, having a robust chili taste.

To serve add, avocado slices, sliced radishes, sour cream, sliced cabbage, fresh Cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled tostado chips and chopped onions.

Pimento Cheese Bacon English Pea Casserole

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 3:11

An ej original!

1 bag frozen peas

1 c pimento cheese 

1 c mushroom soup

1 T roasted garlic

1/4 c chopped crispy bacon

1/4 c canned onion rings

Topping 

Ritz crackers crumbled 

1/4 c shredded mozzarella cheese 

Bake in a greased pie plate in 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Georgia Pecan Pie Trifle

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. - 1 Corinthians 3:7

Yummy!

(1) store bought large pecan pie, cut into 1 inch squares, I used Edwards frozen Georgia pecan pie, leave slightly frozen for easy cutting 

Filling

1 block full fat Cream cheese, room temp, mine set out 1 hour

1/2 c powdered sugar 

1&1/2 c heavy Cream 

1&1/2 t vanilla

Place these ingredients in a heavy duty mixer.

Use wire attachments and whip until smooth, about 15 minutes.

Set aside.

Topping

Prepare these and set aside.

1/2 c toasted pecans, I used spicy honey Pecans

3/4 c dark chocolate, chopped, I used Ghirardelli 

Layer in trifle bowl starting with pie pieces, then half of the cream cheese mixture and top with half of toppings.

Next layer pie pieces, cream cheese and finish with toppings.

Inspiration from:

https://celebrationsathomeblog.com/pecan-pie-trifle-recipe/