For the lasagna question, I think the key is letting the sauce simmer longer than you think it needs. I usually go about forty five minutes on low heat so the tomatoes break down and the herbs fully open up. Another thing that helped me was layering the cheese on each noodle layer rather than just piling it on top. That way every bite has that gooey texture instead of just a crust. If you use the no boil noodles make sure your sauce has enough liquid for them to absorb. I learned that the hard way when my middle layer came out crunchy. Also let the lasagna rest for at least fifteen minutes after baking so the slices hold their shape. It makes a big difference in how it looks on the plate. Let me know how yours turns out and if you want me to send over the specific measurements I used last time.

For the side dish, roasted vegetables work well because they do not need much attention while the lasagna is baking. Just toss them in oil and herbs and put them in at the same temperature. They will be ready when the lasagna comes out.
Omaha Steaks
Hand-selected cuts, prepared with care

Gourmet Steak Sampler Available Through Program

Participants are offered a curated selection of hand-chosen cuts at no charge.

Omaha Steaks is offering 500 gourmet boxes through this program. Each box is valued at over $600 and is provided at no charge to participants. One sampler per household. This offer ends Tomorrow.
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Each cut in the sampler is hand-selected and flash-frozen to preserve exceptional flavor. Recipients will not be billed for the sampler. No payment is required if selected for this program allocation.

Inside Your Box

6 Top Sirloins 4 Filet Mignons
4 Ribeyes 4 New York Strips

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For the weekend trip we are looking at Saturday if the forecast stays clear. Right now it shows partly cloudy with no rain until late evening so that should work well. We will bring the kayaks and maybe hike the trails on the north side of the lake. There is a nice spot near the old bridge where we usually stop for lunch. If you and your family want to come along you are absolutely welcome to join us. We plan to leave around eight in the morning to get a good parking spot near the launch area. Bring a jacket because it can get breezy on the water even when the air is warm. We will pack extra food and drinks so do not worry about bringing anything. Just confirm by Thursday if you can make it so we know how many to plan for. The drive is about an hour and a half but traffic is light that early on a weekend morning.

I can bring the cooler and some chairs if you want. We usually set up near the picnic tables by the boat ramp. Let me know if you need any gear because we have an extra kayak you can borrow.