The above picture is of my husbands cousin who was severely injured this week serving our country. His name is Ronnie Brandafino and he is a U.S. Marine. He has been serving our country for 5 years and April 16th he was scheduled to come home for good.
Ronnie's helicopter crashed in Hawaii last Wednesday and Ronnie was in critical condition up until a few days ago. He nearly lost his leg and has had two surgeries already and two more to come. Thank God he is recovering but it will be a long road. My husbands first cousin Darlene who is Ronnie's mother flew out to Hawaii the moment she heard of the accident (a mothers worst nightmare).
My husbands family are a very tight knit group of people and they are an amazing support system for each other when hard times arise. You can make as many offers as you want to help but help is rarely needed because they all ban together and help one another.
With Darlene in Hawaii and her husband here taking care of the kids, I felt like I needed to do something. So what comes to my mind when I want to help someone? FOOD..of course!
I made a tray of Lasagna and called Darlene's husband to let him know I would be dropping off a tray of food for him and the kids. While speaking to him it became even more apparent what an amazing family this was and what strong people they are. Alan (Darlene's husband) is an amazing man and is holding down the fort while his wife sits at Ronnie's bedside day in and day out.
Ronnie's brother Derek is getting married in October. Ronnie is the best man and he told his brother that he will be walking at his wedding. If that does not show the strength and determination of this young man I don't know what does. It is going to be a long and tough road for Ronnie but I just know he will get through this and walk at his brothers wedding!
I am beyond words to describe this family and the terrible accident that they have endured. Please pray for Ronnie's full recovery and for the strength this family needs during this challenging time.
Here is a link to an article about Ronnie and the crash:
http://sachem.patch.com/articles/sachem-alum-marine-injured-in-helicopter-crash
Here is a link to an article about Ronnie and the crash:
http://sachem.patch.com/articles/sachem-alum-marine-injured-in-helicopter-crash
Below is the recipe for Home Made Lasagna.
Here is what you'll need:
There's my little helper!
- 1 box Lasagna Noodles
- 1 container Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
- 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 egg
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped Parsley
- salt and pepper
- 4 cups Tomato Sauce
Make a pot of sauce and let simmer.
You can always use jarred sauce if your time is limited.
Brown the chop meat and set aside.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the box.
In a mixing bowl combine the Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Egg, Salt and Pepper and Parsley.
My baby wanted to help!
Mix well.
Set aside.
Now spread the sauce on the bottom of a lasagna tray.
Next line the tray with the cooked Lasagna Noodles.
Now spread some of the Ricotta Cheese mixture.
Now sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the Ricotta cheese.
Next sprinkle some shredded Mozzarella Cheese over the meat.
Now spread some more sauce over the meat and cheese.
Layer more of the Lasagna noodles over the cheeses, meat and sauce.
Continue to do this until you have reached the top of the pan.
For the final layer spread some sauce over the noodles and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
(sorry I don't have a picture of the cooked lasagna)
Serve with some fresh Italian Bread and Enjoy!!!
