What is the difference between Lasagna and Lasagna casserole you might ask? Simple--Lasagna Casserole is a homegrown family recipe from Idaho. Clearly, if you're layering different ingredients in a 9x13 pan, it must be a casserole, right? To be honest, I hadn't even realized that was the name of the lasagna in my cookbook until I went to make it this weekend. I like to think I take it up a notch when I make it with a few of my own twists, but either way, it really is delicious and the perfect comfort food!

This weekend I was suffering from shin splints so I had to sit out on our normal Sunday 7-12 mile trail run with friends to let my legs rest. To combat depression and boredom, I decided to make something delicious and hearty. It was the perfect Sunday dinner to share with friends.

Speaking of friends, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts recently. I know, I know -- shocking, me listening to a podcast. I have to tell you though, for anyone out there that commutes or spends any amount of time driving, podcasts are AMAZING! This particular podcast, 99% Invisible, is right up there in my top 3. They had a recent episode on "The Gruen Effect" which I found super interesting and randomly realized I could identify with.

The main points are this:
1. People in America, especially in the suburbs, commute and are always in the car
2. Due to this, Americans are missing out on the "third place"
3. In Europe, the "third place" exists basically everywhere and is an integral part of their culture

What's the "third place":
1. Home
2. Work
3. Third Place

The "third place" is the place you go to hang out with people, interact, enjoy life, and socialize with your neighbors or others. Over the past 10 months, I have found my third place in CrossFit Reflex. I know, it sounds totally cheesy and I would have been the first skeptic but it really is awesome when you have an entire group of people that are fit, healthy, smart, young, and fun to hang out with all the time! So my "third place" is CrossFit. For Victor Gruen, his answer was to build shopping malls and make them beautiful. What's your "third place"?!

Lasagna Casserole a'la Jenny

Cook in fry pan until browned:
1 lb. lean hamburger     1/2 lb. Italian sausage, spicy     2-3 cloves garlic, minced     salt & pepper     few shakes red pepper flakes

Add and Simmer 10 min:
1 Tbl. parsley flakes (or 2 Tbsp. fresh)     3 Tbl. fresh basil     1 can tomato paste     1 can tomato sauce     1 can diced tomatoes

Cook until tender (but not quite soft):
1 package lasagna or wide noodles

Combine:
3 c. cream-style cottage cheese     2 eggs beaten     salt & pepper     1 Tbsp. parsley flakes (or 2 Tbsp. fresh)     1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese     1 package frozen spinach, drained

Place 1/2 of cooked noodles in 9x13x2 pan. Spread half of cottage cheese mixt. over noodles. Then add 1/2 cup sliced OR shredded cheese & 1/2 meat sauce. Repeat layers. Bake at 375º for 30-45 min. or until bubbly and hot in middle. Let stand for 15 min. Cut in squares. Serves 12.