Lasagna

October 1, 2019

Craving lasagna? Hezel and the editors of Taste suggest we view this classic dish not as "frozen in time and space but as a dish that continues to evolve." The collection gives plenty of starting points for pasta (dry, no-boil, handmade noodles, wonton wrappers), sauce (red, meat, pesto), and cheese (soft, hard, melty). Besides the classic meat lasagna and baked ziti, there are pasta variations incorporating Greek as well as Ethiopian staples. Some of the nonclassics are Italian sub lasagna, speedy skillet ravioli lasagna, and sweet pea lasagna with mint pesto. Meat-free entrees include accidentally vegan sweet corn and scallion lasagna. Breezy introductions will carry readers through many different takes on this dish. Featured side dishes include butterscotch budino with salted caramel sauce and nutellasagna. The section "Building Blocks" highlights how-tos, such as making fresh pasta sheets, creating a Sunday sauce with meatballs, and perfecting a classic béchamel sauce. VERDICT Pasta cookbooks are always popular, and public libraries should have their shelves stocked. This solid resource will satisfy those in pursuit of new lasagna ideas.--Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

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