First, the lasagna. Good lasagna means good cheese. Invest in top-of-the-line mozzarella and ricotta and don't buy pre-grated, that can throw the flavor off. Another key to perfect lasagna? Plenty of fresh parsley. Buy one tub of ricotta cheese (Precious is particularly good) and mix with plenty of garlic, some basil, chopped fresh parsley and about a quarter-cup of parmesan cheese. Pour a little bit of your favorite canned spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a square baking dish. Lay uncooked lasagna noodles on top. Cover these with ricotta cheese mixture, a little more marinara sauce, and then plenty of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat from noodle until you reach the top of the dish. The last layer should end with sauce and cheese only. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees covered, and then 15 minutes uncovered. Fabulous!

After you uncover the lasagna, start preparing some yummy garlic butter. Soften a stick of butter in the microwave, about 10 seconds. Remove and add crushed garlic and basil. Stir until smooth. Serve with warm French bread.

Choose a full-bodied red wine to go with this meal, such as a Pinot.

Enjoy!