Welcome to the newly refreshed era of Grandma Skills.
Where we collectively embrace a Modern Handcrafted Living.
A space is where slow over hustle is welcomed, peace is desired over chaos, nurturing your village is necessary, and thoughtfully handcrafting the life you live is the norm.
Where we honor skills of the past, while also creating traditions of our own along the way.
Sharing this little corner of the world with you as new paths are carved brings me such joy and I’m elated to have you here on this journey, so let’s dive on in.
Vol. 001: Nurturing Your Village
The Handcrafted Journal where I intend to share more than just the products I make. It’s been on my heart to share ways of truly embracing a Modern Handcrafted Living.
One of those ways is to nurture your village by supporting those in your life when they are facing hardship. As someone who has experienced immense support during extremely unexpected medical hardships I understand how important it is that we all take a moment to notice and lend a helpful hand to our friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers.
I can tell you first hand when you take the time to reach out and say “hey, I know you have a lot going on right now and I’d love to bring you a meal, when’s the best day I can drop one off?” It means the entire world.
I made a promise to step in and support those in my village [and others] when they faced hardships after having so many helping hands step in and support my family.
So where exactly am I going with this?
Most people say, “Oh you’re so thoughtful to think of bringing them a meal” but here’s the thing, anyone can step in. The biggest hurdle is knowing what’s an easy dish to bring. So I’ll be sharing my favorite go to meals here in this Nurturing Your Village Series.
Without further a-do.
Lasagna Bake, Salad Kit, + Garlic Bread
This is my go-to dish to whip up and bring to anyone who’s recently had surgery, had a baby, been sick, or had a death in their family.
It’s hearty, you can get fancy with the ingredients, and is great as leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients:
Lasagna Bake
- 2 Jars Pasta Sauce [marinara, or get fancy with butternut squash sauce]
- 1 pound ground meat [beef, turkey, venison sausage, italian sausage]
- 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
- 1 10oz+ bag shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 TBSP parsley
- 1 TBSP basil
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 1 lb. penne, rigatoni, ziti noodles [any tube like noodle shape]
Garlic Bread
- Italian Loaf
- 1-2 sticks of butter
- 1 TBSP parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
Salad Kit
- Any salad kit
-
Chopped vegetables to get fancy [cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, pickled beets, pickled onions etc.]
Cooking Instructions:
Step One: Boil noodles.
Step Two: Brown meat.
Step Three: Mix beaten egg, ricotta, parmesan cheese, ½ mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, salt & pepper to taste.
Step Four: Drain noodles & mix with sauce and meat.
Step Five: Spray 9x13[or larger]pan with oil and put half of the noodle mixture in. Split the ricotta mixture in half and dollop spoonfuls over the first layer of noodles. Repeat. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Step Six: Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes [45-60 if from refrigerated]
*pro tip: use large foil pans so they don’t need to return a baking dish to you ;)
Garlic Bread:
Slice loaf in half. Mix parsley and garlic into room temperature butter then spread evenly over both halves of bread. Bake @ 350º for 15-20 minutes or until the butter has fully melted.
I promise you anyone you bring this hearty meal to will not forget the kindness of your heart when you acknowledge the season they’re in. It’s my hope that collectively we can lift each other up and support one another and I hope you find these meal ideas helpful!
- Michelle
