Lasagna

 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef (optional)
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups cheddar 
• 1 1/2 cups smoked gouda cheese  
• bechamel sauce (white sauce)
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr

1.  Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.  saute   beef, onion and garlic in a 1 tbs. oil; drain.
3. Stir in seasonings.
4.  Add tomato sauce
5. Cook over low heat until smooth.
6. ,Add  shredded Cheddar and Gouda
7. prepare white sauce, set aside.
8. Layer cooked noodles, part of meat mixture, white sauce , cream cheese , half Mozzarella.
9.  Repeat until all is used; top with Mozzarella.
10. Bake on top rack for 40 minutes.

White Sauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• salt and white pepper to taste
• nutmeg, to taste 

In a medium heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat,  add the flour all at once, mixing well with a wooden spoon. Cook over low heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to incorporate and cook flour. Remove pan from heat and let stand, up to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, scald milk (heating it until just below boiling point).
Return saucepan with roux to medium-low heat. Add all of the scalded milk at once . Simmer, stirring gently with a wire whisk or wooden spoon . Cook, stirring, over low heat, 15 to 20 minutes, until smooth and thickened. Strain sauce through fine-mesh strainer. Add salt, white pepper and nutmeg to taste. Makes about 2 cups.