ML Interest Tag: mushroom

6 Forest Friendly Snacks for Your Woodland Creatures

by Amber Guetebier

When it comes to woodland creatures, your little mousies will squeak with delight when they see the spread you lay out for your next party (or maybe just for afterschool treats). From raccoon snack plates to candy acorns, scroll down for forest friend recipes fit for your creatures, great and small.

photo: The Lamb Family via flickr

1. Hedgehog Cheese Plate
You can use plain cream cheese or mix in some shredded carrot or chives for an herbaceous flavor. (Click here for one of our favorite cheese ball recipes!) The hardest part of this task is shaping that cheese ball into a tear drop shape. Press slivered almonds into the back to create the bristles, surround with your kiddos favorite crackers and chomp on!

photo: Life Unadorned

2. Raccoon Snack Plate
When we saw Life Unadorned’s insanely cute raccoon snack plate, we couldn’t resist a little jump for joy. Not only is it adorable, it’s healthy and easy to put together. Visit Life Unadorned for the complete tutorial, plus other amazing ideas for party fun.

photo: Cup of Sugar, Pinch of Salt 

3. Magic Mushroom Caprese Salad
Pint-sized foragers won’t crinkle their noses at these mushrooms from Cup of Sugar, Pinch of Salt’s take on a traditional caprese salad. These bite-sized apps are low in fat and big on flavor, and perfect for any woodland themed party (or maybe just an afternoon nosh!). Get the recipe here.

photo: Mon Petit Four 

4. Perfect Log Cake
If you want to make an edible center piece to your woodsy affair, a traditional Buche de Noel will fit the bill. This version from Mon Petit Four features a spongy chocolate cake with a whipped cream filling,  a guaranteed crowd pleaser. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Cakes and More

5. Meringue Mushroom Treats
Whether you use them for decorating your cake or just spread them out on a wood slab of their own, these meringue mushrooms from Cakes and More will delight all your party goers. Dusted with cocoa powder, they make a light and airy treat that’s well worth the effort. Get the details on creating these fungal masterpieces here.

photo: Pear Tree Kitchen 

6. Little Acorn Candies
Fill your favorite bowl with these perfect little acorn candies from Pear Tree Kitchen. Just the right size for your little squirrels, they’re super easy so you can them involved in the making (expect a little nibbling along the way). Find out how to do it at Pear Tree Kitchen.

What nibbles do your little creatures like to eat? 

—Amber Guetebier & Susie Forseman

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Soups On! PDX’s Hottest Soup Carts for Comfort Food on the Go

by Kelley Gardiner

Soup, soup, beautiful soup. When it comes to food carts, PDX is king and soup is no exception. From steamy ramen to Hungarian mushroom to classic tomato, Portland’s array of soup carts offer fast, filling meals for on-the-go families. And with added bonuses like grilled sandwiches and even mac ‘n’ cheese, there’s always something for the littles while you get your soup on. Read on to discover where to get your next belly-warming cup of comfort.

photo: Trina W. via Yelp

Portland Soup Company
The recipes change with the seasons, to reflect what’s available as well as what might sound good. In summer, you might find a gazpacho. In winter, Hungarian mushroom. Any time of year, there are usually three choices, and one of them is a classic tomato soup. If junior isn’t having it, there’s always mac and cheese to fall back on. Open during the week for lunch only.

1941 SW 4th Ave.
Portland
503-987-0217
Online: portlandsoup.com

photo: Noemi M. via Yelp

Umai 
Warm, belly-filling ramen is all the rage in Portland right now, with new restaurants opening all the time. Umai serves up their Umai Ramen (Shio, Shoyu or Miso base), or a vegetarian version featuring eggplant instead of pork shoulder. Be prepared to slurp your noodles near the cart, or pay $.50 for to go containers. This cart is serious about sustainability. (Note: This cart closed for vacation until Sep.23. Check the website for details.)

SE 33rd at Hawthorne (Behind the Hazel Room)
503-502-4428
Online: umaipdx.com

photo: Julie H. via Yelp

Hapa 
More ramen comes streaming out the window at Hapa. Choose traditional Shoyu Ramen or a more modern Tonkotsu style, then settle down for people-watching at the popular Tidbit Food cart pod.

SE Division St. & SE 28th Pl.
503-560-0393
Online: hapapdx.com

photo: treeny t. via Yelp

Savor Soup House
Savor Soup House has four soups that rotate on a weekly basis. For example, on a recent Thursday, you could get tomato with fennel and orange, sweet potato kale & coconut, pulled pork pozole and a borscht. In fact, you can get that popular tomato soup any day of the week, and it’s served with croutons and parmesan. Mmmm. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters can find a suitable option every day, too.

1003 SW Alder St.
503-548-7652
Online: savorsouphouse.com

photo: Joshua C. via Yelp

Chowdah
This cart normally has three soups on: a seasonal, a veggie, and of course, the namesake New England clam chowder. Word is that they don’t skimp on the clams, either. Soups to go are available, as well as grilled cheese sandwiches. They also make one of the best Philly cheesesteaks with homemade cheese sauce. If you’re a meat-eater, get one.

7316 N. Lombard St.
503-867-2475
Online: facebook.com/chowdahpdx

Spoons
Spoons serves up soups, salads, and wraps to the hungry downtown lunch crowd. You’ll always find vegetarian or gluten-free options, and all cups and bowls are served with rustic Italian bread. A recent Friday menu offered Tuscan tomato, Hungarian mushroom, New England clam chowder and pepper & corn with smoked pork. Hungry yet?

SW 5th and Stark
503-522-3576
Online: facebook.com/SpoonsOn5th

photo: Michael S. via Yelp

Grilled Cheese Grill
Okay, it’s not exactly a soup cart, but what goes better with a bowl of tomato soup than a grilled cheese sandwich? Besides, you can get a plain ol’ grilled cheese or a cup of tomato soup for just $2.50. That’s tough to beat when you’re out and about. At the Alberta location, your kids will clamor to eat inside the retro school bus, retrofitted with tables and seats.

SW 10th and Alder
NE 11th & Alberta
Online: grilledcheesegrill.com

What’s your favorite tummy-warming soup from a cart? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

featured photo: Jessica R via Yelp

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Veg Out! 8 Veggie Pizzas to Try Now

by Anna Doogan

Whether you like it thin crust, deep dish or with extra cheese, pizza is a longtime favorite for everyone in the family. Throw on a handful of fresh toppings and seasonal veggies, like arugula and brie, or corn and eggplant, and wash it all down with an organic, house-made soda, and it’s even better. The next time a pizza craving hits your crew, try one of these eight pizzerias serving up veggie-loaded slices that will make you forget all about pepperoni.

photo: Anna Doogan

Dove Vivi
With their signature cornmeal crust and plentiful vegetarian options, Dove Vivi is a dream for veggie-loving kids and parents. You won’t want to miss the Corn pizza (fresh sweet corn, chives, and smoked mozzarella), or the Eggplant (roasted eggplant, mozzarella, fresh basil, tomato, blue cheese.) Or, go for the classic Veggie with mushrooms, caramelized onions, eggplant and mushroom. With vegan options and rotating specialty pies, this Northeast gem has a little something for everyone.

2727 NE Glisan St.
Daily, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
503-239-4444
Online: dovevivipizza.com

Pyro Pizza 
Unique wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced produce are behind the magic of these tempting food carts. Try the Spinach Mushroom pie ($9) paired with an organic house-made soda ($2) and Pyro Pizza will quickly become a new family favorite.

Cartopia: SE 12th Avenue & Hawthorne Boulevard
503-929-1404
Mon & Tue: 5 p.m. – midnight
Wed & Thu: noon – midnight
Fri & Sat: noon – 3 a.m.
Sun: noon – 11 p.m.

Tidbit Cart Pod: SE 28th Place & Division Street
503-708-0213
Mon & Tue: closed
Wed & Thu: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri & Sat: noon – 9 p.m.
Sun: noon – 9 p.m.
Online: pyropizzacart.com

Hot Lips Pizza
Six locations and delivery service make Hot Lips convenient for just about everyone around Portland. Fresh veggie options include Arugula & Brie, Fennel & Roasted Red Pepper and Broccoli & Squash Sauce. With local vegan dough, Northwest microbrews on tap and real fruit sodas, your whole family will want to try this spot again and again.

Civic
SW 18th Avenue & Morrison Street
Mon.- Sun. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
503-517-9354

SE Hawthorne Boulevard & 22nd Avenue
Mon. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
503-234-9999

SW 6th near Hall Boulevard
Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m.- 10 p.m
Sat. 11a.m.- 10 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
503-224-0311

NW 10th Avenue & Irving Street
Mon. – Sun. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
503-595-2342

NE 33rd Avenue & Killingsworth Street
Sun.- Thurs. 11a.m.- 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
503-445-1020

NE 47th Avenue & Sandy Boulevard.
Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
503-284-4046
Online: hotlipspizza.com

photo: Anna Doogan

Bella Faccia
This cozy Alberta spot is a must when searching for delicious pizzas and calzones. Feed your whole crew of hungry little ones with the Brooklyn Veggie (mozzarella, onion, mushroom, black olive, green pepper), or the Green & White (pesto, ricotta, mozzarella, red and yellow peppers, roasted garlic and pine nuts.) Housemade lemonade, rotating seasonal beers and a relaxing outdoor patio make this a perfect summer dinner stop.

2934 NE Alberta St.
Daily, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
503-282-0600
Online: bellafacciapizzeria.com

Mississippi Pizza
If you’re looking for a neighborhood pub that serves up tasty pizzas and live music and entertainment, this is the place. Whether it’s a family sing-along, trivia night, or a belly dancing performance, there’s sure to be something exciting happening. Try the Portland (pesto, mozzarella, roasted red pepper, spinach, red onion, feta) and grab a great table before the festivities begin.

3552 N. Mississippi Ave.
Sun. & Mon. 11 a.m.- midnight
Tues. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Wed. & Thurs. 11 a.m.- midnight
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Online: mississippipizza.com

photo: Catherine N via Yelp 

Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty
What could be better than wood-fired pizza and homemade ice cream? This bright and bustling family spot on Mississippi has the best of both. Start with the chanterelle mushroom pizza, or try one with sungold tomatoes, summer squash and chevre. Whatever you choose, save room for dessert. Housemade ice cream flavors include malted milk ball, sour cherry and the popular salted caramel.

4039 N. Mississippi Ave.
Tues. – Sun. 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
503-281-4060
Online: lovelysfiftyfifty.com

Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Following the popular Monday Night Pizza at Ken’s Artisan Bakery, this Southeast restaurant opened its doors in 2006. Youngsters will love watching the pizzas being made in the eye-catching centrally located oven. Try the Arugula or Margherita pizza, order from the impressive 100+ bottle wine list and don’t forget the Roasted Vegetable Platter appetizer, with ingredients that rotate according to what’s in season. This place is truly a Portland favorite, so be sure to come early for a shorter wait time.

304 SE 28th Ave.
Mon. – Sat. 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Sun. 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.
503-517-9951
Online: kensartisan.com

photo: Anna Doogan

Atomic Pizza
At both locations of this casual pizzeria you’ll find hand-tossed thin crust pies, plentiful vegetarian slices and ice cream from Ruby Jewel. Try the Alberta, with pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, artichokes and sundried tomatoes. At the Killingsworth location, head out back to the spacious outdoor garden patio and soak up the last weeks of summertime!

4144 NE Sandy Blvd.
Mon. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
503-206-6864

1936 N. Killingsworth St.
Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m
503-285-5490
Online: atomic-pizza.com

Have you found the best veggie pizza in Portland? Tell us where in the comments below!

—Anna Doogan

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Take a Bite Out Of These Amazing Animal Creations

by Selena Kohng

There’s a good chance that you’ve pinned at least one cute animal-themed food art idea by now. Because….well, cute! Of course, whether you execute is a whole other story. No worries, most of these are totally doable—but we did throw in a few jaw-dropping, looks-too-good-to -eat masterpieces, too. So move over, teddy bear toast; we’ve rounded up the best wildlife masterpieces for your ogling (and maybe even replicating) pleasure.

Leopard Lunch
While scrolling through Sarah Gonzalez’s (aka @lunarbell_lunch) Instagram feed, three words will come to mind: “we’re not worthy”. She takes food art to a new level with such detail, like the realistic spots on this leopard. Note the heavy use of veggies as flora, too! Grab some popcorn and park here a while; you may even be inspired to try your hand at an idea or two.

photo: @lunarbell_lunch

Bear-Shaped Pizza
The all-time kiddie favorite just got an adorable upgrade. This version on Bento Monsters comes with a step-by-step tutorial and is something even the littlest of hands can help out with thanks to a cookie cutter, tomato sauce and slices of cheese.

photo: Bento Monsters

Tiger with Camera
Are you admiring the tiger, or is it the other way around? The shoe’s on the other, er, paw with this clever lunch. A sandwich cutter and a few geometric cuts are all you need for this bento meal by Mamabelly.

photo: mamabelly

Stingray Mushroom
Plant-based diets are making a big splash these days. Elevate the humble mushroom to a mighty stingray on a bed of rice, an instant marine biology lesson for your pint-sized foodie. Get the details from Becoming a Bentoholic.

photo: Becoming a Bentoholic

Squirrel Bento
We have yet to meet a toddler who doesn’t squeal at the sight of a squirrel. This one from Wendolonia is both cute and doable thanks to a shaped cookie cutter. It’s the supporting cast that steal the show, though, with cheese leaf shapes waiting for a nibble. Pure genius.

 photo: Wendolonia

Babybel Cheese Penguin
So cunningly simple, you’ll kick yourself for not thinking of it first. Eats Amazing turns a snacktime staple into a polar delight with a mini circle cutter, candy eyes and a bit of carrot. Make sure to scroll down, since you’ll find ways to transform a clementine, sandwiches, and raisins into these irresistible creatures.

photo: Eats Amazing

Cow Cake
Udderly adorable. As if anyone needed more coaxing to eat cake, the mom and baking genius behind Cococakeland uses her piping prowess to make this cow. Poke around on her blog for other animal and non-animal creations, many with tutorials.

Photo: Cococakeland

Fishy Breakfast
Fish first thing in the morning is a must when it looks like this: croissant dough baked in the shape of an aquarium, hand-cut fish-shaped bread, apple-slice fish skeleton on a skewer (so creative!) and just-the-right details like aquarium greenery and a fishing rod.  Follow Instagram user mikodesign for more whimsy.

 photo: Miko Designs

Sheep Bento
Little Bo Peep would definitely have kept better track of her sheep if it came this way. Provolone cheese, nori, candy eyes and grapes in the hands of the Bento School Lunches blogger become a super fun meal. Bonus points for the spelling lesson in the veggies.

photo: Bento School Lunches

Relaxing Panda
Keep calm; charaben on. “Charaben” is the Japanese term for most of what’s on this list—crafting food into characters, animals or cute scenes. Instagram user @5ambento is a pro, but this particular rice panda is a fun reminder to keep things simple and lighthearted.

photo: @5ambento

Bunny Egg
Clean and simple is Food for Harper’s mantra, perfect for minimalist lovers. Her bunny-shaped egg is made with a mold, and looks like a breakfast or snack any little one would gobble up in no time.

photo: Food for Harper

Bumblebee Burgers
When it comes to the food art world, Instagram user @leessamantha is queen. If you haven’t heard of her by now, prepare for jaw-dropping photos of full meals-turned-masterpieces.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who’d turn down these burger bumblebees, using melted cheese, nori, cucumbers, and a couple dabs of ketchup.

photo: Lees Samantha

Turtle Sliders
Is it slow and steady, or cute and healthy that wins the race? This impressive bento meal covers both with its simple-yet-clever use of pickles to upgrade a burger (oh hi there, summer BBQ party inspiration!) Don’t miss the graham cracker crumb “sand” and yogurt-covered raisin “turtle eggs” that pinch hit for a lesson in the birds and the…turtles. Get the full how-to on Lunchbox Dad.

photo: Lunchbox Dad

Which one of these works of art is your favorite? Share with us in the Comments!

—Selena Kohng

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‘Za Best: 15 Pizza Recipes for Family Meals

by Stacy Liu

We’d be lying if we said we didn’t love pizza. But the box that refuses to flatten in the recycling bin and the overflowing drawer of pepper packets makes us think twice about our delivery habits. No more ordering out and definitely no more freezer quickies: It’s time to bring pizza back to its glory days by cooking our own—and getting our kids in on the action. Click through for 15 recipes the whole family can enjoy.

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

If you haven't considered replacing the traditionally heavy crusts with any number of fresh veggies, then start with Life as a Strawberry's recipe. We guarantee you'll never look at pizza the same way. See what innovative ideas your kitchen helpers come up with after seeing what they can do with mushrooms!

Do you have a favorite pizza recipe? Let us know in the Comments!

— Stacy Liu

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What Your Kid’s Favorite Pizza Topping Says About Them

by Kelly Aiglon

Ordering pizza is about as no-fuss as you can get. So why is choosing a topping such an ordeal? Because it’s important to kids, that’s why. Like, really important. Make a misstep (oops — pepperoni instead of sausage?) and you’re in trouble. What is your tot’s favorite topping … and what does that say about him or her? Our unscientific study will tell you.

The Topping: Sausage
What Your Kid is Saying: “I have a big appetite and need to load up if you expect me to do tough stuff, like clean my room and write a thank-you note to Grandma. Face it: Meat is yummy. Plus, I have my whole life to become a vegetarian … let’s not rush things, Mom. ”

photo: Jacqui Boland

The Flavor: Plain Cheese
What Your Kid is Saying: “Ew, what’s that green thing? Wait, what’s that brown thing? Stop, now, is that an onion? There better be nothing else on my slice except for gooey-gooey cheese, because all those other things that make this a more balanced meal are totally distracting.”

photo: Clarkston SCAMP via fickr

The Flavor: Veggie
What Your Kid is Saying: “Ha-HA! And you thought you’d see a unicorn before I ordered a tomato, pepper and mushroom pizza. Just call me Captain Healthy. Oh, and thank you for letting me tag along to the farmers market all of those times. Looks like the subliminal messaging paid off.”

 photo: Wagner Silveira via fickr

The Flavor: Hawaiian
What Your Kid is Saying: “Cheeseburger in paradise? Nope, I’d rather sink my teeth into a ham and pineapple pizza in the comfort of my house. It’s like dinner and dessert all in one … which is awesome because that’s one less course to eat and I can leave the table earlier and go play Minecraft.”

photo: Ian Dexter Marquez via flickr

The Flavor: Anchovy
What Your Kid is Saying: “Tricked ya. Did you really think I’d eat anchovies? I only asked for that to see your reaction. I’ll stick with fish sticks.”

photo: Steven Depolo via flickr

What is your kid’s favorite pizza topping? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

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Pizza Stuffed Peppers

by Erin Lem

Alexa of Simple Roots Wellness (and mom to three girls) knows that creating healthy alternatives to favorite foods is a must. She offers up this recipe for pizza stuffed peppers that features all of the great flavors of pizza without the unhealthy components. Scroll down for the low down on how to make this dinnertime eat and then check out Simple Roots Wellness for more great meal inspiration.

Seres 4-6

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp coconut oil (butter)
1 yellow onion
2-3 cloves, garlic minced
2 cups mushrooms, chopped (optional)
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt & pepper, to taste
8 peppers
Mozzarella cheese

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Chop onion and mushrooms.

3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot add onion and mushrooms. Saute until tender.
Add garlic and saute until fragrant or 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and set-aside.

4. In same skillet cook beef and sausage until done. Remove and place in bowl with onion and mushroom mixture.

5. Add peeled and chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce and spices. Mix thoroughly. Prepare peppers but washing, cutting top off and removing seeds.

6. Fill peppers with meat and onion mixture and place in oven.

7. Bake for 30 minutes, remove and add mozzarella cheese continue baking 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and enjoy!

This recipe and photo come courtesy of Alexa over at Simple Roots Wellness. Alexa, a mom of three, blogs about healthy versions of recipes you know and love. Check out Healthy Roots Wellness to find more great recipes for your family.

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Crock Pot Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna

by writerredri

You’re just getting your back to school routine groove back and need to make dinner in a flash. Don’t sweat, we’ve got you covered with this slow cooker lasagna courtesy of our San Diego Editor, Leah Singer (she also blogs over at Leah’s Thoughts). With its cheesy goodness that’s heavy on the spinach, this crock pot recipe will provide your kids with a good amount of protein, and you with a reliable go-to dinner recipe.

Ingredients
Olive oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. garlic
1 lb. sliced crimini or Portobello mushrooms
1 bag of fresh baby spinach leaves
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
3 cups of whole milk
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Salt and Pepper
1 cup Parmesan cheese
10 (approximately) no-bake lasagna noodles

Method
1. In a saute pan, heat olive oil around the pan. Add the onions and cook about two minutes.

2. Add the garlic, and then the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and reduced in size. Sprinkle salt and pepper onto the mushroom and onion mix.

3. Add the spinach (a little bit at a time) until all of it has wilted down.

4.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add flour and cook for about one minute. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the milk at once.

5. Bring to a simmer, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens (enough to coat a wooden spoon). Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.

6. Prepare your crockpot by spraying the inside with non-stick cooking spray. Place approximately one cup of the white mixture on the bottom of the crockpot. Then place a layer of lasagna noodles. You may need to break them in pieces to cover the space.

7. Place half the mushroom mixture over the noodles. Then add another cup of white sauce and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until you are left with the top layer, which is noodles, the remaining white sauce and Parmesan cheese.

8. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about four hours.

Leah Singer is a freelance writer, a practicing speechwriter, and rock star calendar editor for Red Tricycle San Diego. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts. Read more about Leah at: leahsthoughts.com.

Click HERE to find more great crock pot recipes like this.

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Date Night: Brew Your Own Kombucha

by scott wardell

If you’ve decided that staying healthy is one of your new year’s resolutions, then it’s time you added some kombucha to your daily diet. This effervescent tea drink is delicious and good for you–what more do you want? It’s widely available in stores, but why not save a little green and try making some kombucha at home. Check out what our friends at Seattle Magazine have come up with for brewing your very own batch of kombucha.

So you say you brew your own beer. Big whoop. Do you brew your own kombucha? Embraced by Seattleites for its purported health properties (eliminating toxins, increasing energy), the fermented tea beverage known as kombucha has long been sold prebottled in local stores.

But in 2010, Seattle company Goldfinch Kombucha (goldfinchkombucha.com) seized hold of our city’s craze for all things homemade by creating a DIY Kombucha Kit ($25), which includes a 1-gallon glass jar, green-tea bags, organic sugar and—here’s the crucial part—a mat of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, or SCOBY (aka the “mushroom” or “mother”).

Though this blob looks straight out of sci-fi, it’s what makes the magic happen, and locals love it.

To learn more about brewing your own batch of Kombucha, read the full article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

Photo credit: aigyptioi via Flickr.

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Quick & Easy Dinnertime Meal

by Jacqui Boland

The folks at Cucina Fresca shared with us a recipe for an easy-to-prepare family meal. By combining  their pre-packaged fresh pasta and sauce, you can skip the time-consuming process of preparing lasagna from scratch and get to the good stuff right away: a yummy, sit-down family meal.


Lazy Lasagna By Cucina Fresca

2 10 oz. packages Cucina Fresca fresh ravioli (any variety)
1 jar* Cucina Fresca fresh sauce (any variety)
1 cup shredded cheese
Olive oil

Set oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8×8 pan with olive oil.
Pour 1/4 jar of Cucina Fresca sauce in pan; tilt pan until the sauce has coated the bottom.
Layer 10 ounces of ravioli in pan. Pour 1/4 jar of Cucina Fresca sauce over ravioli. Layer remaining 10 oz of ravioli. Pour remaining sauce over ravioli. Top with cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil and cook 10-15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.

*If you choose Alfredo or Basil Cream as your sauce, thin it with 8 oz of milk for 16 oz of sauce total.

This recipe serves 4-5. To make a larger or smaller portion, remember this ratio: 8oz of sauce for every 10 oz of ravioli. Larger batches in deeper pans will require an upwards of 45 minutes covered cook time with 10-15 minutes uncovered cook time, or until cheese is golden brown.

Suggested Lazy Lasagna Combinations:

Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce
Three Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Vodka Sauce
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce
Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Basil Cream Sauce
Caramelized Pear & Gorgonzola Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce
Smoked Mozzarella with Alfredo Sauce

Cucina Fresca lazy lasagnas are available pre-cooked at all Metropolitan Market service delis.


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