Herby Grain Salad

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Start to finish: 1 hour
Impresses: 4

Ingredients
1    cup barley
2    cups chicken broth
1    stick European-style butter
½    cup parsley
¼    cup basil
¼    cup dill
2    tablespoons oregano
2    tablespoons sage
½    cup parmesan cheese
      salt and pepper

Method
In a medium-sized sauce pan, combine barley and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cover. Cook for 40 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

While the barley cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a toasty, amber color. (You’ll be able to smell it during this step.) 

Remove from heat and carefully pour through a fine mesh sieve into a jar or small bowl. Set aside.

Roughly chop all of the herbs and place into a large bowl. Once barley is cooked, add to the bowl with herbs. Toss together with butter, parmesan, salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.

This Salad is Rad-ish

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Start to finish: 15 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
1    cup whole milk cottage cheese
     salt and pepper
2    bunches radishes
1    fennel bulb
¼    cup mint

Plating tip
Assorted cut vegetables for serving (we love carrots, celery and cucumber).

Method
In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cut off the top and bottom of each radish and discard the stems.

Wash the radishes and dry before slicing into thin rounds. You can do this carefully with a sharp knife or with a mandolin.

Cut fennel bulb in half and then into thin slices. Roughly chop mint.

Add sliced radishes, fennel and mint to bowl with cottage cheese. Stir to combine.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Serve chilled.

Meant to Brie

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Start to finish: 10 minutes
Impresses: 4

Ingredients
For the salad:
1    5-ounce container spring mix
2    grapefruits
4    ounces brie cheese

For the dressing:
¼    cup extra virgin olive oil
2    tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
2    tablespoons honey
      salt and pepper

Method
Slice each grapefruit in half long ways and remove the peel and white flesh. Place one half cut-side down and identify the thin, white lines in-between the flesh of the grapefruit. Using a paring knife, carefully slice between each white line to create segments. Repeat until entire grapefruit is sliced. Set aside.

Cut brie into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing until emulsified.

Toss together spring mix, grapefruit segments, brie and dressing. Serve immediately.

Fro-Yo Margaritas

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Start to finish: 5 minutes
Impresses: 2

Ingredients
1    cup vanilla frozen yogurt
1    cup ice
¼    cup fresh lime juice
3    ounces tequila
1 ½      ounces triple sec

Method
Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse to combine. Pour into a glass rimmed with sugar or salt and serve with extra lime wedges.

Want it alcohol free?
Omit the tequila and triple sec and add in an extra squeeze of lime for a tart, frozen limeade fit for all ages

Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas

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Start to finish: 45 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
1     cup onion, chopped
½    cup green bell pepper, chopped
5    tablespoons butter
3    cups baby spinach
2    cups chopped cooked chicken
1     4-ounce can chopped green chiles (or roasted anaheims/hatch chiles)
¼    cup all-purpose flour
1     teaspoon ground coriander seed
¾    teaspoon salt
2½    cups chicken broth
1     cup sour cream
1½    cups shredded Monterey jack cheese (or more)
12    6-inch tortillas

Method
Heat oven to 350 degrees. 

In large saucepan, cook onion and green pepper in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Combine in a bowl with spinach, chopped chicken and green chiles. Set aside.

In the same saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour, coriander and salt. Stir in chicken broth. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and ½ cup of cheese. 

Stir ½ cup of the sauce into the chicken mixture.  Dip each tortilla into remaining hot sauce to soften and fill each with about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and roll up. 

Arrange rolls in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and pour remaining sauce over. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until the top begins to brown.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos

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Start to finish: 11 hours
Impresses: 8–10

Ingredients

For the carnitas:
1    tablespoon cumin
1    tablespoon paprika
1    teaspoon salt
1    teaspoon pepper
1    4–5 lb. pork shoulder/butt
1    white onion
6    garlic cloves
2    oranges
2    limes
2    bay leaves
1    10-ounce can whole green chiles

For the chipotle crema:
2    cups sour cream
2    chipotles in adobo with sauce

For serving:
    corn tortillas
    cilantro, chopped
    white onion, chopped
    lime wedges

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Method
In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.

Dry pork shoulder with a paper towel and then rub spice mix all over. Place pork into a slow cooker. Cut onion in half and smash each garlic clove. Place into slow cooker with skin on.

Add in the juice of the oranges and limes, bay leaves and can of green chiles
with juice. 

Set slow cooker on low for 10 hours.

In a blender, pulse together sour cream and chipotles until fully blended. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. 

Pork is finished once it’s tender and easily pulls apart. Heat oven broiler and line a baking sheet with several layers of foil. 

Using two forks, pull pork until shredded, discarding the fatty parts. Place pork on the baking sheet and ladle 1–2 cups of the cooking liquid atop the pulled pork and toss to coat. Broil for 10–15 minutes, stirring twice.

To serve, place pork inside warm corn tortillas, top with cilantro, onion, a squeeze of lime juice and drizzle of chipotle crema.

House Chips & Guac

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Start to finish: 30 minutes
Impresses: 4

Ingredients
For the guac:
2    poblano peppers
3    ripe avocados
1     lime
½    small red onion, diced
2    roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1     serrano pepper, seeded and diced
¼    cup cilantro, diced
      salt and pepper
¼    teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
2    ounces queso fresco

For the chips:
12    corn tortillas, cut into wedges
    cooking spray
    salt

Method
Heat oven broiler to high and adjust the top rack to be about 6 inches from the coils. Line a baking sheet with foil and place poblanos on sheet pan on top oven rack. Broil peppers until charred all the way around, about 4–5 minutes per side. Once finished broiling, place peppers into a gallon-sized zip–top freezer bag and seal. Set aside. 

Turn off broiler and heat oven to 400 degrees. Spritz the same baking sheet that was used for the poblanos with cooking spray. Place tortilla wedges in a single layer and spritz with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until chips have started to crisp around the edges. 

While chips bake, cut avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Squeeze lime juice into bowl and, using a fork, gently mash avocado and lime together. Stir in onion, tomatoes, serrano, cilantro, salt, pepper and cumin, if desired.

Remove the poblanos from the bag, peel off the skin and remove the seeds. Roughly chop the peppers.

Place prepared guacamole into a serving bowl and top with roasted poblanos and crumbled queso fresco.

Not Your Grandma's Chocolate Cake

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Start to finish: 3 hours
Makes: 8–12 slices

Ingredients
For the cake:
1¾    cups flour
2      cups sugar
½     cup cocoa powder
2      teaspoons instant espresso powder
1½    teaspoons baking powder
1½    teaspoons baking soda
½     teaspoon salt
2      eggs
1       tablespoon vanilla
½     cup plain yogurt
1      cup milk
1      cup boiling water

For the frosting:
8     ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2     sticks unsalted butter, softened
6–7    cups powdered sugar
1     teaspoon vanilla
2–4    tablespoons whole milk

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Method
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pull off two sheets of parchment paper and place one on top of the other. Using a 8- or 9-inch round cake pan, trace the base of the pan onto the parchment with a pencil. Cut out the circle with scissors. Grease the pans with butter and then place the circles on the bottom of each pan. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, add dry cake ingredients and whisk to combine. Pour in wet ingredients and whisk until batter is relatively smooth. 

Divide batter between prepared cake pans and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake on the middle rack until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Once finished, set pans on a cooling rack.

While cakes cool, fill a small pot with a few inches of water. Bring to a boil. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot, being sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add in the chocolate chips and stir frequently until melted. Remove bowl from heat and let cool.

Once cake has cooled completely, flip the pans over onto a clean, flat surface and pat the bottom of each pan gently. Twist the pan back and forth as you pull up to loosen the cake from the pan. Peel off parchment paper. 

In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter and powdered sugar, starting with 1 cup of sugar at a time. Beat on high until fully combined, about 3 minutes. Frosting will be the texture of small peas. Beat in vanilla and a few tablespoons of milk until it becomes airy and fluffy. Add in the melted chocolate and beat an additional 2 minutes.

To assemble the cake, place the bottom layer, flat side up, on a serving dish. Spread about one-third of the frosting on top to act as “glue” for the next layer. Add the top layer, flat side up, and frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.

Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Chimichurri

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Start to finish: 50 minutes
Impresses: 4
Makes: 1 1/2 cups sauce

Ingredients
For the carrots:
2    pounds rainbow carrots
2    tablespoons olive oil
    salt and pepper

For the sauce:
1½    cups plain yogurt
½    cup parsley
¼    cup cilantro
¼    cup chives
2    cloves garlic
½    lime, juiced
    salt and pepper

For serving:
¼    cup pine nuts
¼    cup parsley

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Method
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

Peel carrots, but leave tops on. Place on baking sheet and pour on olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to combine and then arrange in a single layer. 

Roast 30–35 minutes, turning once, until slightly softened.

While carrots roast, place pine nuts in a small pan and bring to low-medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about
5 minutes.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender. Pulse to combine. 

Chop parsley for serving, set aside.

Once carrots are finished, drizzle with chimichurri, sprinkle with pine nuts and parsley, and serve immediately.

Curry Thighs & Drummies

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Start to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
Impresses: 4

Ingredients
1    1-inch piece ginger root
2    cups plain yogurt
2    teaspoons turmeric
1    teaspoon garam masala
1    tablespoon red curry paste
1    clove garlic, minced
    salt and pepper
2    pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and
    drummies (about 4 of each)
    canola oil

Method
Carefully remove the skin from ginger root. Using a handheld grater, grate the ginger into a small bowl. (You can mince the ginger if you don’t have a grater.)

Add yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, curry paste, garlic, salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Place chicken pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and pour marinade on top. Seal bag and gently toss to coat all pieces in marinade. Place in fridge and let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Place a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot, pour in a few tablespoons of canola oil.

Remove chicken from fridge and place two drummies and two thighs in the pan at a time. Sear until browned on each side, about four minutes per side. Remove first batch and place on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add more oil and repeat with second batch.

Once second batch has browned, place the chicken from the first batch into the pan with the second batch. 

Put entire pan into the oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until juices run clear. Serve immediately.

Jalapeño Popper Mac

Start to finish: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
2 green bell peppers
3 jalapeño peppers
½ pound bacon, diced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons flour
2½ cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
salt and pepper
8 ounces corkscrew pasta
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup panko breadcrumbs 

Method
Preheat broiler to 500 F. Place the bell and jalapeño peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and char each side, turning the peppers every 2–3 minutes to ensure they don’t burn. 

Remove peppers from oven and place in a freezer-safe gallon bag. Seal shut and set aside to steam. 

Reduce oven heat to 350 F. Grease a cast-iron pan with butter and set aside. 

In a high-edge skillet on medium heat, add bacon and cook until crispy — about 7 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on a plate lined with a paper towel. Dispose of bacon grease and return skillet to medium-low heat. 

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. 

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and whisk in flour until all the butter is absorbed. Continue to work for about 1 minute to remove the flour flavor. Add milk and whisk to combine. Stir in cream cheese. Stir every minute for about 5 minutes to avoid scorching. 

While cream cheese melts, add pasta and a generous sprinkling of salt to boiling water. Cook until al dente, drain and return pot to stovetop. Note: The pasta should still have a bite to it because it will go into the oven for more baking. 

Add the cheddar to the skillet and whisk to combine. Add more milk if needed. Whisk until cheese is melted, smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and pour over noodles in pot. 

Take the peppers out of the gallon bag and remove the seeds, top and skins. Dice peppers and place in pot with noodles and sauce. Add bacon. Stir until well combined and pour into cast-iron pan. 

Melt remaining tablespoon of butter and mix with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle on top of pasta. 

Bake 10–12 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and top is browned.

Potato Soup

Ingredients
6 strips bacon
1 head broccoli
1 tablespoon butter
3 carrots
3 stalks celery
1 small onion
6 potatoes
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1 carton (4 cups) chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1½ cups milk
1 8-ounce container sour cream
salt and pepper 

Method
Chop the broccoli, carrots, celery, onion and potatoes into small bite-sized pieces (taking care to separate the broccoli florets from the diced stock). Cut the bacon into small strips as well.

After the prep-work is done, fry the bacon strips in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once they’re fully cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and reserve the bacon pieces to top your soup. Remove all but approximately 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pot and discard. Add the broccoli stocks, carrots, celery and onion to the pot and cook on medium-high for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the potatoes, broccoli florets and butter to the pot and continue to cook and stir the vegetables for 3–4 more minutes. Add the chicken broth and a dash of salt and pepper, and allow the pot to come to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fully cooked. 

Scoop approximately 2/3 of the soup into a bowl and purée using a submersion blender (a food processor or blender work too, so long as you’re cautious while blending — hot liquid expands, and can be a little unpredictable when mixed). This can be done all at once, or in shifts, whatever you feel most comfortable with. Add the puréed mixture back into the pot, and pour in the milk, cream and 4 ounces of the shredded cheddar. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir continuously until all the cheese is melted.

Dish the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, remaining shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of the reserved bacon.

Squash Bisque

Start to finish: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Impresses: 4–6

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
2 cartons (8 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

Method
Heat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss together olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, squash, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Divide veggie mixture onto the prepared baking sheets and roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes.

Once veggies have cooled slightly, transfer one-third into a blender with one-third of the chicken broth. Purée until smooth and then pulse in one-third of the heavy cream. Pour into a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring often. Repeat with the remaining veggies, broth and cream. 

Note: Depending on your blender size, this may take more than three rounds.

When ready to serve, ladle from the pot on the stove and drizzle in an extra splash of cream.

Fiery Steak Chili

Start to finish: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
2 tablespoons light olive oil
2 pounds sirloin steak, trimmed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 16-ounce jar salsa verde
2 cans kidney beans, drained
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
½ cup masa (corn flour)
3 cups beef broth
4 ounces queso fresco, crumbled

Method
Cut trimmed steak into 1-inch cubes. 

Heat a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Add in oil, then steak.

Brown steak, creating a caramelized crust on all sides and stirring as needed.

Reduce heat to medium and add in onion, garlic and chipotle peppers. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until onions become slightly translucent. 

Stir in adobo sauce, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

Add in salsa verde, stir and cover. Let stew for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, place masa into a small bowl and slowly pour in 2 cups of beef broth, stirring constantly with a fork until no lumps remain.

Remove lid and add in the remaining ingredients, including masa mixture and remaining 1 cup of beef broth. Stir to combine, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving and topping with queso fresco.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Trifle

Start to finish: 25 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
1 frozen pound cake, thawed
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
¼ cup sugar
½ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
1 bar baker’s chocolate (optional)

Method
Slice pound cake into even slices, and then into quarters so you have short sticks. Set aside.

In a chilled, stainless-steel bowl, whip together heavy cream, sugar and cocoa powder using a hand mixer until soft peaks form. 

Slightly melt chocolate-hazelnut spread until runny enough to drizzle. 

Place six parfait or high-ball glasses on cookie sheet or tray. Assemble parfaits beginning with the pound cake pieces. Drizzle with chocolate-hazelnut spread and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat two more times for three total layers. 

Place tray in the fridge for at least an hour, or until ready to serve. Right before serving, top with shavings of baker’s chocolate.

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Start to finish: 50 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
1    pound riced cauliflower, frozen or fresh
2    eggs, lightly beaten
½    cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1    teaspoon Italian seasoning
1    cup ricotta cheese
1    cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
3    cloves garlic, minced
½    teaspoon salt

Method
Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, set aside.

Steam riced cauliflower in the microwave according to package instructions. If you grate/rice your own, place in a microwave-safe bowl covered with plastic wrap with a few holes poked in the top and steam 5–6 minutes.

Carefully spread steamed cauliflower on a sheet pan lined with paper towels and set in the fridge for 10 minutes to cool.

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, garlic and salt. Mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cooled cauliflower, eggs, Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough-like consistency is formed. Turn mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet and press into an even layer, similar to a pizza crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until slightly browned. 

Remove from oven and carefully flip over parchment, so the top of the crust is now on the bottom of the baking sheet and peel parchment off the now top crust. Schmear with ricotta mixture.

Bake again for 10–15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Let rest 5 minutes before cutting.

Everyone’s Favorite Italian Salad

Start to finish: 15 minutes
Impresses: 6

Ingredients
1 5-ounce container spring mix salad greens
¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced
¼ cup canned artichoke hearts, quartered
¼ cup kalamata olives, halved
¼ cup pine nuts
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 bunch fresh parsley, sans stems
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup fresh oregano leaves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper

Method
Place pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly browned — about five minutes. Let cool.

In a blender, combine olive oil, vinegar, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until fully combined.

In a large salad bowl, toss together greens, red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, pine nuts and red onion with ¼ cup (more or less as desired) prepared dressing. Top with extra Parmesan cheese.

Brioche French Toast

Start to finish: 35 minutes
Impresses: 4-5

Ingredients
1    loaf brioche bread, cut into thick slices
6    eggs
½    cup half and half
¼    cup sugar
1    tablespoon ground cinnamon
½    teaspoon ground nutmeg
1    teaspoon salt
1    tablespoon vanilla extract
½    stick butter, cut into small slices

Method
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt. Pour into a low-sided dish.

Bring a griddle or skillet to medium-low heat.

Dunk both sides of brioche slices into the egg mixture, allowing each slice to soak up the eggs.

Drop a pat of butter onto the griddle and let melt, coating the grill. 

Place slices on the griddle, making sure not to crowd them. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Serve with additional butter, maple syrup and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Prep ahead
The night before, slice bread and store in a gallon zip-top baggie. Make egg mixture and store in a rectangular storage container. The morning of, all you have to do is dip and grill. Preheat your oven to 300 F and keep cooked slices in a single layer on cookie sheets until ready to serve.

Bacon, Leek & Gruyère Quiche

Start to finish: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Impresses: 12

Ingredients
2 packages applewood smoked bacon
2 leeks
8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
18 eggs
1 cup half and half
 salt and pepper, to taste
2 store bought pie dough crusts

Method
Preheat oven to 400 F and liberally butter two cast iron skillets. Unroll pie dough, lightly press into the skillet and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. 

Slice bacon into small strips and cook in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. While that’s cooking, slice the bottom white section of the leeks into thin, half moons. Remove bacon and let drain on a layer of paper towels. Reserve two tablespoons of the bacon grease and sauté the leeks for three minutes, until slightly softened. 

In a large bowl or blender, beat together eggs, half and half and salt and pepper.

Sprinkle bacon, leeks and cheese into each skillet and top with egg mixture.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool five minutes and then cut into slices.

Prep ahead
The night before, assemble each quiche, pop in the fridge and bake in the morning. If you’re prepping more in advance, instead of cast iron, opt for foil pie pans. Make as directed above and then cover in plastic wrap and freeze until you need a no-fuss breakfast. Straight from the freezer, unwrap plastic wrap, cover with foil and reheat at 350 F for one hour.

Cowboy Lasagna

Recipe courtesy of Miranda Rice

Start to finish: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Impresses: 10

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1 24-ounce jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
¼ cup sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 stick butter
1 16-ounce package lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
cheddar cheese, grated

Method
Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine cream cheese, sour cream and ricotta cheese until blended. 

Combine meat and spaghetti sauce.

Place a few thin slices of butter in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. 

Place ½ of the lasagna noodles on top of the butter. 

Pour ½ of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles and spread well. 

Repeat last three steps and layer remaining noodles, cheese and meat. 

Top with grated cheddar cheese. 

Bake for 30 minutes.