Layers of ❤️ Love
- GiveBackGirls
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
There are so many occasions in our lives when we could use a kind word, a hug or a friendly gesture. Volunteer chefs across three countries are layering up love and kindness in the form of home-baked lasagnas. Lasagna love is an organization that signs up volunteers to bake lasagnas for individuals and families in need of a little comfort. A lasagna seems so simple, yet to those that receive the meal it’s like getting a hug filled with hope for a better day. The Give Back Girls signed up and were matched right away to a local couple that gives everyday to an elderly family member. We all chipped in for the ingredients and were so grateful to Susan, from Blanket Blessings (formerly Binkies for Babies) for her contribution, as well.
GBG Michelle offered her home to cook the Lasagna. When more than two GBGs gather, it is hard not to feel a party-like atmosphere, so we decided to make two lasagnas - one to donate and one to share as a meal together.
Along with GBGs Johanna, Angie, and Sue we donned our aprons and hats to get ready to cook. Woah! Slow down Miss Blog Writer! There is something to announce here! Tonight, we officially welcome new GBG, Sarah.
Sarah reached out to GBGs shortly after she returned to CT from Florida and expressed her interest in volunteering. She is involved with Her Time/Hang Time and shares her passion for making others improve their well being and self esteem through beauty care. She calls her company Sarahsbeautybar@icloud.com. Offering facials to women at Her Time was a precursor to Sarah becoming immersed into the group. It’s not a surprise that Sarah is a Mary Kay sales representative with her love for sharing beauty products and secrets.
We all had our tasks to make the night go smoothly and before we knew it, there were two lasagnas in the oven. Glasses of wine were poured while waiting and Arlene and Michelle shared upcoming GBG volunteer opportunities planned through June of 2025. So much fun and giving to look forward to. The girls shared in the excitement and the ideas they offered were met with acceptance and gratitude. We love the willingness to make GBGs a team effort. Be sure to visit our volunteer opportunities page, you just might find something you want to join in on!
We sat around the dining room table in Michelle's home and had good fun and laughter with each other while also giving back to the community at the same time. No dinner would be complete without dessert. Along with some cookies, Johanna had brought one of her famous flans! Remember, she is the Flan Lady!!! Fantastic night it was!
GBG Sue offered to deliver the lasagna that evening to our recipient in order to beat the weather that was expected the next day. Total team player! Michelle offered up a Starbucks gift card and Sue packed up some cookies and a loaf of bread to go with the lasagna and headed out to deliver our Lasagna to the home of our recipient.
I urge our readers to visit the Lasagna Loves site. Here you can request a lasagna for someone who would appreciate one or you can consider being a volunteer baker.
Our Lasagna was done with no boil noodles from Aldi and really worked out well.
Ingredients
one box no-boil noodles
Quickie meat sauce
Ricotta cheese (2 Lb)
2 eggs
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
pepper
Quickie meat sauce
olive oil in bottom of pan
1 medium onion dices - sauté until soft
1 Lb ground beef - sauté until brown
2 jars Aldi meat sauce added
Mix ricotta cheese with 2 eggs and 1/2 -3/4 bunch chopped fresh parsley (or 2-3 palms of dry parsley), and black pepper until well mixed and smooth
layer starting with sauce in a 9 x 13 baking pan
sauce/noodles/ricotta/sauce/ Parmesan cheese/ very small amount mozzarella cheese
finish with sauce, mozzarella cheese and parm cheese
Cover and bake at 350 for 50 min
remove cover and bake an additional 10min
Enjoy!
I can’t wait to try that recipe. You do so many nice things to “give back.”