Almost Lasagna

So my family loves, and I mean *LOVES* pasta in all shapes and forms, and lasagna is a huge favorite - for them: those who do not have to cook it.  I've finally come up with a quick, easy, and almost mess-free way to make this family favorite. It's also insanely easy to serve: if you line the ravioli right then it's already scored - no cutting needed!

You'll need:
1. 2-3 packages of ravioli (I used 3 8oz packages) of any flavor (we chose 5 cheese)
     ***NOTE*** Make sure they are the large ravioli, not the smalls ones =)
2. Pasta sauce (any type, brand, style, flavor - you can even make your own)
3. Spinach (I used the frozen spinach - it's cheaper and we're on a budget)
4. Cheeses (whatever your heart desires; we used shredded Mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Ricotta and Cottage cheese)
5. Meat (optional - we didn't use it, but you could brown it, drain it, and mix in with your sauce if you'd like)


You'll need to do:
1. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. If using frozen spinach, put in colander and wash with cold water until thawed - squeeze the mess out of it to get as much water as possible out. Rest your hands, and squeeze some more.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of dish, top with a layer of ravioli, then a layer of spinach, and a layer of cheeses (I mixed all 4 cheese types together for this step), top with another layer of sauce.
4. Repeat step 3 until you're happy - using as much/little spinach and cheese as you'd like.
5. Top with sauce and a layer of cheese; cover with foil and cook at 350 for 20 minutes, uncover and bake another 10-15, or until cheese is all gooey and bubbly.


If you'd like to make this and freeze it: make the lasagna, cover, and freeze. Do not cook. It should last up to 3 months (I've only kept mine for 2-3 weeks, but all of these ingredients freeze fine).

Quick Chicken Lo Mein

Now now I know this is not "real" Lo Mein ... when you are craving Chinese nothing but the real stuff will do.  However, when you have a cranky and teething toddler and a picky 7 year old (not to mention a strict budget), here's a fast, easy, and most importantly, cheap Lo Mein recipe:

Ingredients:
* 1 TBSP Sesame oil
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (I have a family of 4 so we use 2lbs); cut into strips or bite-sized pieces, we do bite-size
* 1 clove garlic, minced (I might add just another 1/2 clove more)
* 2 TBSP soy or teriyaki sauce (we use soy, sodium-free kind)
* 2 tsp fresh grated ginger OR 1 tsp powder
* 1 3-oz package of chicken flavor Ramen noodles
* 1 bag frozen stir fry vegetables (again, picky eaters here so we just use one bag of snap peas)
* 1/4 cup water

Directions:
1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink.

2. Add vegetables and cover. Cook until veggies are done.

3. Cook noodles, drain, set aside - DO NOT mix with seasoning packet.

4. Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, seasoning packet and water together. Mix well and pour over chicken/veggie mixture; toss with noodles.