Macasagna

Macasanga? This is what my 2.5 year hold has dubbed it :) It's a variation of the Super Easy Lasagna recipe.

If there is one thing you probably know about me by now it's that I'm frugal (I do not like the term 'cheap' because I feel it has a totally different definition...I'm frugal, but if we (especially our kids) need something, I wont hesitate to get it, to me cheap is avoiding purchasing anything that isn't an absolute live or die need, even if it might jeopardize your health to not have it (vitamins, medicine) etc. I'm not talking about absolutely not having the money to purchase necessities, but rather choosing to hoard money in the bank instead) But I digress! Back to Macasagna!

Lasagna noodles are pricey, and they almost never go on sale. Cheese is expensive and even when it is on sale it's still expensive! I really really enjoy lasagna, now that I know how to make it easily, but can't bring myself to make it as often as I would like.
Thus, Macasanga was born!!

Use the same sauce recipe from Super Easy Lasagna. But instead of lasagna noodles you use, yup you guess it!, macaroni noodles :) And in the cheese layers instead of fully layering cheese use mostly cottage cheese with a bit of grated cheese and then use grated cheese on top. It's delicious, it's economical and it's easy! It's a win win!

I buy the No Name Cottage Cheese at Extra Foods (Superstore), and it's approx. $2.50 for a 500mL tub, and the huge boxes of macaroni are available at the same store, or Costco for a fairly modest price. I'm sure it brings the price of the lasagna to half or less then it's original cost. Yes, it's nice to still have regular lasagna sometimes, but especially when you're coming to the end of the month (and the end of the budget!), this is a quick, easy, filling and economical meal :) Oh, and kids love it because what kid doesn't love macaroni?

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

These are good...honestly! At first glance, the thought of cottage cheese invading my pancakes, I kind of gagged, but thought well I'll give it a try...and I'm glad I did! The cottage cheese melts and provides a wonderful texture and flavour. This recipe is originally from Weelicious, but I have modified it. I'm sure the recipe worked well for her, but for me it turned out like fried eggs with cottage cheese in it :( A couple of modifications later and here we are :) Cottage cheese is full of protein and that's what makes these pancakes great for kids who don't really like to eat much meat (aka my 2 year old!). Normally the rule in our house is everyone eats the same, but if we are eating something I know he can't chew etc. I make up some of these (or take some out of the freezer) and he gets to have a pretty good meal...and one that he enjoys!

Ingredients
3 Eggs
1 Cup Cottage Cheese
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp. Honey
1/8 Cup Milk
1 Cup Flour
1 Tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp. Salt

Mix the first 5 ingredients together first, then add the next 3 ingredients. If you batter seems too thick (as it can get if left in the fridge), then just add a little more milk.
Heat frying pan over low heat - medium heat (these can overcook quickly), and lightly coat with oil or butter. Depending on the size of pancake you want, pour 1 Tbsp. - 1/4 Cup of batter for each pancake. 
Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until pancakes are set and golden.

To freeze, let cool  completely and place in a freezer bag/container. They reheat wonderfully :)