Getting to the Meat of the Matter: Meaty Spinach Pesto Lasagna
[Thanks, everyone, for your patience while my blog was undergoing some changes. They're all done now--and I'm happy to offer you all a "print recipe" button so you don't have to copy and paste any more! There are also more user-friendly subscribe buttons and comment threads. What do you think of them? And thanks again for all the great work, Alvin!]
One of the cardinal rules when throwing a dinner party is “don’t serve your guests a recipe you’ve never made before.” (Also, “don’t wear white when you’ll be cooking with beets”; “don’t seat ex-spouses next to each other at the table”; “don’t make Baked Alaska in July”; and “don’t leave the house without clean underwear”–oh, wait, that’s a different cardinal rule).
This past Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of cooking dinner for my friend Eternal Optimist and her friend. So what do you suppose I did, friends? Yep, exactly that; I served up something I had never made before. I wasn’t truly cheating on the rule, though, since I’d already cooked and eaten each of the dish’s components individually and knew they were, on their own, spectacular.
What did I serve? Why, the old classic: that Romance-infused, saucy, cheesy, meaty, stratified seductress, lasagna.
For the most part, I’m a pretty lazy cook. I prefer meals that are ready before I can say, “Elsie and Chaser, get out of the kitchen,” and I don’t enjoy multiple steps or extremely detailed instructions. Desserts and cooking for others is the exception, however.
When I used to throw a bazillion dinner parties during my Social Thirties, I’d spend almost the entire weekend cooking and didn’t mind a bit. Getting lost in the whir of the electric beaters as I whipped cream for a multi-layered meringue-and-buttercream affair, or methodically chopping six onions for various dishes, or zoning out to the crackling sizzle of veggies sautéeing always felt therapeutic to me. And while I’m not keen on lengthy preparation during the regular work week, when I whip up a special-request meal for the HH (for his birthday, or to say thanks for walking the dogs twice a day when my back is out, or to show my appreciation when he picks up baking ingredients from my favorite supplier, or to express gratitude for cleaning the house when friends are coming over–whoah, wait a sec, that HH sure does do a lot for me!), well, then a longer and more complicated process is even welcomed.
I’ll tell you straight off the bat, this lasagna falls into the “food-of-many-components” category. It’s not difficult per se, but it does contain many layers, and each layer requires its own prep. If you happen to have prepared marinara sauce at the ready (or a good jarred type you like), prepared pesto, and meat in the freezer, then you can throw it together in no time, and there’s no worr–
WHAT?!!
Did I just say, “MEAT”???!!!!
Now, now, calm down, people! It may look like meat, and it may taste like meat, but it is not meat. It is faux meat. This latest meaty substitute is just SO authentic, both in look and in flavor, that I simply forgot to specify–it’s entirely vegan! And SOY-FREE!
After creating a killer soy-free faux pepperoni a while back, I’ve been thinking about other ways to use vegetable bases to stand in for meat. It’s not that I’ve hopped on the “soy-is-no-good-soy-is-awful-soy-is-the-Lucifer-of-legumes” bandwagon or anything; it’s just that, sometimes, you want something that isn’t soy. Especially with this lasagna (since it already contains tofu in the ricotta cheese), I wanted a no-soy “ground beef.” And so, this ground meat was born.
When I served the HH a big hunk of the lasagna, his immediate response was, “Ths turstes jess lak urrglrr lrzgne.” (He was so impressed he forgot to swallow before speaking). To translate, “This tastes just like regular lasagna.” Whoopee! Considering that he consumes “regular” lasagna about once a month, his was high praise, indeed.
I’m incredibly pleased with this vegan meat, and am already dreaming up different uses for it. Scattered on nachos. Bound together with some flax eggs and cooked as burgers. Atop a huge mound of spaghetti arrabiata. Or even as the base in a vegan tortiere, like so:
The possibilities are endless. . . my head is spinning with dinner party plans already. Because, after all, the true cardinal rule is this: if it tastes great, eat it.
“Mum, are you sure that isn’t real meat? We’d be happy to help you taste-test your recipes. As you know, the cardinal rule for canines is, ‘if it’s not poisonous, eat it.’ Oh, wait, we might eat it anyway, even when it is poisonous. But don’t worry, I won’t go near that chocolate again.”
This recipe is my submission this week to Amy’s Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays event. Head on over to see what other healthy dishes are posted!
Meaty Spinach Pesto Lasagna (ACD Stage 2 and beyond)
from Diet, Dessert and Dogs (http://dietdessertndogs.com)
A great dish to serve to friends and really impress those meat-eaters. Because the cheese mixture in this recipe was soy-based, I was pleased that the meat was based primarily on a veggie. Make a huge batch so that you can freeze the leftovers and enjoy another lasagna-based meal later on, without all the prep.
8-12 sheets lasagna, parboiled for 5 minutes (I used Tinkyada rice lasagna)
1 recipe tofu ricotta (I used the recipe from Cozy Inside; you could also use this one)
about 5 cups (1200 ml) homemade or prepared marinara sauce (for ACD, be sure it doesn’t contain sugar)
1 batch Spinach Pesto (recipe follows)
1 batch ground “meat’ (recipe follows).
Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9 inch (22.5 cm) square pan and 8 inch (20 cm) loaf pan. (If you have a larger pan that equals the same area, please feel free to use it instead of two separate pans).
In a medium-sized bowl, fold the cheese and pesto together, just enough to combine (I left a few blobs of pesto visible here and there–you can mix it in completely if you wish). Set aside.
Line up the different ingredients so they’re ready to go, assembly-line style.
Cover the bottom of each pan with one layer of lasagna noodles. If necessary, overlap the noodles, but no more than 1/4 inch (.5 cm) to fit them into the pans (I broke them into smaller pieces to accomplish this).
Measure out about 1-1/2 cups (360 ml) of the sauce and set aside.
Using the remainder of the sauce, spoon a thick layer of sauce over the noodles in each pan (I used about 3/4 cup/180ml for the loaf, 1 cup/240 ml for the square pan). No noodles should be visible.
Divide the cheese mixture in half. Using one half of the cheese mixture, sprinkle it evenly over the sauce in each of the pans (I used about 2/3 of one half to cover the square pan, and 1/3 of one half to cover the loaf–in other words, 1/3 of the total in the square pan and 1/6 of the total in the loaf pan).
Divide the meat mixture in half. Using one half of the meat mixture, sprinkle it evenly over the cheese in each of the pans (I used about 2/3 of one half to cover the square pan, and 1/3 of one half to cover the loaf–in other words, 1/3 of the total in the square pan and 1/6 of the total in the loaf pan).
Repeat the layers one more time, using up all the cheese and meat. Cover with one more layer of noodles, then coat with the reserved sauce.
Bake in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until bubbly and browned on the edges. Remove from oven and allow to set for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Makes 8-10 servings. May be frozen.
Spinach Pesto:
1 cup (240 ml) lightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (120 ml) lightly toasted walnut halves and/or pine nuts (I used a combination)
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil, preferably organic
1 bunch (about 1/2 pound or 230 g) fresh spinach, trimmed and washed (stems included)
Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Use as is or mix with ricotta cheese. Will keep, covered, in refrigerator up to 3 days. May be frozen.
Meaty Veg-Based Ground “Meat”:
1 medium head cauliflower, trimmed and washed, broken into florets (about 1 pound/450 g after trimming)
2 cups (250 g) raw walnut halves
2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, preferably organic
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1/4 tsp (1 ml) dried sage
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid smoke (for ACD Stage 1, use more smoked paprika)
1/2-3/4 tsp (2.5-3.5 ml) fine sea salt, to taste
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Bragg’s liquid aminos, soy sauce, or tamari (ACD Stage 1 use Bragg’s only)–omit for an entirely soy-free “meat”
Preheat oven to 350 F (180C). Line a large rimmed cookie sheet or rectangular pan with parchment, or spray with nonstick spray.
In a food processor, blend the cauliflower and nuts to a fine meal. Depending on how grainy you like your “meat,” it can be more or less fine; I made mine like a coarse cornmeal.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add remaining ingredients.
Using your (clean) hands, knead everything together thoroughly, until the grounds are uniformly coated.
Turn the mixture into the pan and spread out evenly. Bake for 45 minutes and up to 1 hour 15 minutes (it will depend on the size of the pan and how thick the mixture is when you first begin to bake it), stirring after 30 minutes and then every 15 minutes after that, until the meat is dry and brown (if the layer underneath comes up looking wet and white–as cauliflower tends to do–then you need to keep baking). The grounds will begin to separate and intensify in color as they roast.
Once the meat is cooked, you can cool, package, and freeze it for later use, or use it right away. Will keep, up to 3 days, covered in the refrigerator. May be frozen.
Last Year at this Time: Grilled Avocado on “Toast”
Two Years Ago: Mrs. K’s Date Cake (not an ACD-friendly recipe)
© 2010 Diet, Dessert and Dogs
What an amazing looking lasagna! You just made me completely change my mind about what to cook for dinner!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Allyson, aw, thanks! Glad you like the look of it.
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Looks delicious! I have the bad tendency to cook things I’ve never made before when having friends over…and it often gets me in trouble!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Iris, do tell! We’d love to hear the anecdote (if it’s not too personal)
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This looks amazing. I am a bit sad however, because cauliflower is on the list of things I need to avoid. I am going to think of a veggie substitute for it to make your soy-free meat substitute, as it looks delicious. And then I will make the lasagna too
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Valerie, I’m sure you could use parsnip instead, if you’re allowed that, or even carrots (though they’d be pretty sweet). Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try.
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I love the idea of cauliflower and nuts as a meat substitute. I will definitely need to give this a try.
Thank you so much for sharing. Your picture of this is very enticing.
hope it was a good Monday,
Ali
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Ali, thanks so much! And I’m sure you could leave out most or all of the oil fairly safely.
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Ricki, this looks amazing! I am already dreaming of stuffing the “meat” into ravioli!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Heather, that’s brilliant–hadn’t thought of that! You must let me know how it turns out. (I’d add a little veg broth in that case to moisten it–the moisture of the lasagna sauce compensated here).
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I am shocked to hear you consider yourself a lazy cook…you strike me as a very ambitious cook and the last word I would use to describe you is lazy, lol! I think you underestimate yourself
The “meat” looks great–I can’t wait for it to cool down a bit so I can try it!
Courtney
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Courtney, I think I am pretty creative and I like to play, but basically if it takes more than 30 minutes, start to finish, I lose interest! (UNLESS I’m cooking for someone else, that is).
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Far out, Ricki.
That’s frankly amazing. I nearly had a conniption…but cauliflower/walnut meat is sheer genius. Wonderful!!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Lucy!! So nice to “see: you again. Glad you like the meaty sub, too.
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Oh, this definitely sounds like a meal that my hubby would enjoy! He likes hearty veg meals, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
If he’s anything like my hubby, he will like it!
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You certainly have a way with making things meaty! That pepperoni was a hit. Definitely interested in this one too. Although *gasp* I’d totally eat ground beef too. I mean, if it were from a sustainable source. I guess that would save me a lot of work. But I like the challenge of these meaty substitutes
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Michelle, even for people who eat meat (like my hubby), it’s sometimes a nice change to have a veggie-based substitute and give the saturated fats and cholesterol a rest.
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This does indeed sound like a very versatile meat substitute! I love Heather’s idea of stuffing it into ravioli, and I’m sure it’s amazing in your lasagna, which looks amazing. Yum!
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Josiane Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Oh gosh, it looks like I was quite amazed… sheesh!
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Josiane, hee hee! I get amazed by food pretty often myself.
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That could quell a serious comfort food craving. Yum.
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Ricki Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Tiffany, glad you think so!
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I love the idea behind your veggie meat! I can’t wait to try that out. It opens up so many new and exciting possibilities for texture… thanks for sharing!
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Eva, glad you like it. The texture changed depending on the usage. . .it became softer baked into the tortiere, retained its graininess in the lasagna.
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Oh yes, please send me a piecce of this now!
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Wish that I could! But if you ever drop by. . . !!
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blog looks great – and so does your lasagna – I love the sound of your ‘meat’ – I sometimes feel fake meat is more real than ‘real’ meat – I often see cookbook photos and get surprised to hear it is real flesh rather than just proper vego food.
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Well, who’s to say that veg meat isn’t “real,” right? It’s real veg meat! And so much more appetizing, I say.
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What?! This is one of the most tempting “meat” recipes I have ever seen! I feel that I must go out and get some cauliflower so I can make it this weekend!
Thanks, Ricki!
And one question: would ACD be a good choice for someone with diabetes or with insulin resistance?
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Thanks so much! Re: the ACD diet, I am not really equipped to diagnose or prescribe as I’m not a doctor.
However, just looking at the diet itself, yes, it is low glycemic and because the premise is to keep blood sugar steady and low, there’s nothing in it that would be contraindicated for someone with diabetes. But I would think that diabetics could actually have more options than the ACD (ie, no need to be gluten free if you’re diabetic, unless you’re sensitive to it, and I’m fairly sure that diabetics can have some dairy, eggs, etc.). If someone is simply looking for a low glycemic diet that omits most food allergens, the ACD is for them!
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Shayne Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for the info! You’ve inspired me to do a bit more research!
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Uh, can you say, “YUM?!” Awesome job, Ricki… when can I expect my dinner party invitation? Churro has been dying to meet Elsie and Chaser!
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Danielle, drop by any time!
And while they are super-gentle and the sweetest girls you will ever meet with people, I’m sorry to say that Elsie still needs a few lessons on polite behavior when it comes to other dogs. 
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this looks FABULOUS. can’t wait to give it a try!!
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Yay! Let me know what you think if you do give it a try.
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“Meat” that is soy-free and mushroom-free, be still my heart! It might make a nice base for Shepherd’s Pie, with sweet potato topping.
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Metta, I think that would be perfect. In fact, that’s what I’m going to use it in next!
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Ricki,
I turned off my pop-up blocker but that still didn’t help. Is there something I’m doing wrong?
I just tried using your “print this” button option but it won’t work for me
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Nicole, my techie guy tells me that there’s an issue with Internet Explorer 7 or earlier–is that what you use? Let me know either way so he can fix this glitch! Thanks!
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Nicole Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Yep, it must be an issue with Internet Explorer. The print option didn’t work on my work computer using Explorer 7, nor my laptop using Explorer 8. But I also use Mozilla Firefox on my laptop and that one works!
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I’m going to ask my techie guy to change it in that case–too many people excluded!
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The lasagna looks fantastic! I like the new recipe layout too, with the print button, looks great. I also know the “rule” about not making a new recipe the first time for guests, but I almost always ignore it, usually with good results.
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Erin, I’m the same way. I think that after cooking enough recipes, one can usually tell if something will work or not. I think of it as gustatory imagination (something, alas, the HH does not have).
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Fun! I’m so glad I clicked over. I didn’t think I’d be able to eat your meat sub, b/c Dan and I are going grain-free and bean-free for a month as part of an elimination diet. Once I add back nightshades for the paprika, I can totally do this one! Cool!
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Glad you did, too, Sally! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
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I’m salivating. Never would have thought to use paprika. Sounds interesting.
Ricki, what are the orange chunks? I thought maybe onion, but I don’t see that in your ingredient list.
Since you like to save time, have you ever tried not par-boiling the noodles first? I saw that once in a recipe and found it odd but tried it. Worked great. They cooked up as if I had pre-cooked them, but I didn’t have things to have to clean up.
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Ricki Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Leslie, I made my own home-made marinara sauce and added half each of leftover yellow and orange sweet bell peppers that I had lying around. The recipe was so basic I didn’t include it: sautee garlic & onion with chopped peppers, add 2 cans crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, onion powder & salt to taste, and cook about 20 minutes.
Re: the noodles, I will absolutely do that next time–it was clear that the parboiling wasn’t entirely necessary. I’d add maybe 1/2 to 1 cup veg broth before baking, though. 
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Cauliflower meat! I love it!
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Thanks so much! (I loved it, too)
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LASAGNA! The gluten-free, vegan world just keeps getting better. This calls for another go-round with an almond cheese.
The new design is very clean looking – great job. The print button doesn’t work for me most likely because I am not connected to a physical printer and instead have a logical printer directer to a PDF wrapper.
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Gretchen, thanks so much.
I’m a bit frustrated with the print button, as it seems to affect anyone with Internet Explorer–and that’s a lot of people. I’m going to see if there are other options.
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I love lasagna but so rarely make it because I don’t want to have a whole pan of leftovers to eat with all that cheese! This version however is something I would be happy to eat the leftovers of!! And I am so intrigued by that faux meat you’ve created. I don’t like the veggie ground round or TVP so this might be a great option for me!
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Ashley, glad it appeals! I liked this much better than TVP. And if you bake it enough (it takes over an hour to do it right), you get separate, dry bits, just like ground “beef.”
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I’ve been a wee bit stressed trying to figure out what to feed my picky grandparents when they stay with me this weekend (the WHOLE weekend, AHH!). I am relieved to have this recipe, I am sure that they will be impressed!
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Sarah, this worked really well for my carnivorous hubby! Enjoy the weekend (I’m sure two days will go by very quickly!)
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You are simply too creative! I just posted this on my facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/godairyfree?ref=ts
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Wow, Alisa, thanks so much!
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Ricki, this does look absolutely fabulous, but the recipe does contain soy since it includes tofu and Bragg’s or soy sauce, right?
Shirley
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Ricki Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Shirley, I meant for only the “meat” to be soy-free–the tofu in this recipe applies only if you make lasagna, but you can use the “meat” in anything you like (such as pasta, etc.). But yikes! You are absolutely right about the Bragg’s!! I’ve just amended the recipe for those who want entirely soy-free “meat.” And hey–no kicking into spam this time–yay!
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WOW! That first photo had me sold, I will be making this FOR SURE. Cody is always begging me to make lasagna, and now I have a recipe that looks like a winner. Maybe it will be his welcome home meal! Thanks for another brilliant post, Ricki!
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Ricki Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Hope that Cody likes it–and hope it’s a great welcome home!
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So I’m a little late it would seem to finding this post, but whoa… It doesn’t make me any less excited that you posted it! I CAN’T WAIT to try this Ricki! You’re such a genius
~Aubree Cherie
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Ricki Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Not late at all! Hope you enjoy it.
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Interesting, Ricki, interesting. Lasagna is one of those things that always takes much longer to make than I planned, and convinces me, as a vegan, never to make it again. After all, the “regular people” don’t have to make the meat and the cheese as well as the pesto and the sauce. And sometimes I even used to make the noodles, turning the process into an all day affair. But people LIKE lasagna. And I know people who would love this recipe. And now I may have to make lasagna AGAIN! Darn you, Ricki. Must you always be so clever and convincing?
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This reminds me–it’s been FAR too long since I’ve made beloved lasagna.
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Looks killer, Ricki. I eat soy products, but never much fancied the typical fake meats. Would love to try this once I can bear to have the oven on around here.
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