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SALMON LASAGNA!

January 5, 2022 92 Comments

     HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I MADE THIS SALMON LASAGNA FOR THE SECOND BORN AS HE REQUESTED IT!

  IN EARLY DECEMBER.

AS I WAS PUTTING IT TOGETHER I THOUGHT YOU MAY ENJOY THIS AS WELL……..

  I ALWAYS USE THE BARILLA PASTA AND NOT THE NO BOIL NOODLES!

Something just does not seem right about that!

That means they have put other THINGS in it to stay “FRESH”?

I shall LOOK next time I go to the store out of curiosity!

  I HAVE LEARNED GLUTEN FREE ITEMS ARE NOT AS GOOD FOR YOU AS WE ALL THOUGHT!

SO here are MY LASAGNA NOODLES waiting for their turn to go into the pan.

I use wax paper so they do not stick also I run cold water on them as soon as I dump the pot of noodles into a strainer.

I immediately separate them by hand!

 CAREFUL they are still HOT even with the cold water……


 NOT PERFECTION BUT THEY WILL DO!

TO START YOU WILL NEED: MOZZARELLA CHEESE

SMOKED SALMON which comes in a packet and is sliced very thin.

Plus PARMESAN CHEESE.

  PREPARE BECHAMEL SAUCE according to my NOTES!

PUT A BIT OF THE BECHAMEL SAUCE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN FIRST.

THEN APPLY YOUR NOODLES.

“Béchamel, a mixture of milk, flour and butter, is a perfect lower-calorie stand-in for any recipe calling for heavy cream or excess cheese. The point of the béchamel is to provide rich, smooth texture and stretch the impact of the cheese without burdening the pasta with unnecessary calories and fat.”

  COOK your noodles and as your doing this make the BECHAMEL SAUCE.

 ADD BECHAMEL SAUCE AND SMOKED SALMON BITS TORN BY HAND AND GRATE SOME PARMESAN CHEESE.

BUT DO NOT GO HEAVY HANDED WITH THE PARMESAN.

ALITTLE BIT GOES ALONG WAY!

 KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED THE NOODLES………….

 I HAVE FOUND IT NEEDS TO BE IN THE OVEN A BIT LONGER AT 300 Celsius,

maybe she meant 350 F.

I will NEVER KNOW as I forget who gave this recipe to me when we lived in FLORENCE, ITALY!

IF YOU ARE OUT THERE PLEASE TELL ME!

This will feed 8 to 10 people as a STARTING COURSE!

NOT FOR DINNER ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE BOYS OR MEN!

 THIS WOULD WORK FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR PEOPLE!

FOR DINNER!

 Plus a side dish and a salad!

DON’T FORGET THAT!

NEVER EVER SERVE BREAD WITH PASTA!

THAT IS A BIG NO, NO IN ITALY!

WHY?

BECAUSE THAT WAY YOU FILL UP ON BREAD AND NOT THE FOOD THAT HAS BEEN MADE!

BREAD IS USED AS A FILLER……….if you do not have enough FOOD!

 THIS I LEARNED FROM MY ITALIAN HUSBAND.

I DIDNOT READ IT SOMEWHERE……..

 YOU EVEN HAVE THE RECIPE TO MAKE THE PASTA!

I HAVE NEVER DONE THAT AS MY HUSBAND WILL SAY BECAUSE I’M LAZY!

 NO, I JUST HAVE A LOT MORE TO DEAL WITH IN A DAY THAN TO MAKE IT!

  HE CAN CONQUER THAT ON HIS OWN AS IT WOULD RELAX HIM!

 NOT ME.

MORE MESS.

AND MORE TO THINK ABOUT and CLEAN UP……………maybe ONE DAY I will get there!

 IAM NOT PERFECT!

 

BECHAMEL SAUCE as it says above melt butter first.

A TOTAL of 150 grams.

The GRAMS will be there too on the paper if you live in the USA!

  ADD FLOUR BY TABLESPOONS.

  SIX TABLESPOONS.

  STIRRING THE ENTIRE TIME!

  When it turns a HONEY color start adding the MILK.

As you can see I got my formula down with 24 ounces of milk which translates to 3 cups!

 BECHAMEL you have to make a few times before getting it SPOT ON!

If it tastes like FLOUR you have FAILED!

If it is too liquid YOU HAVE FAILED!

IT should start to THICKEN AS YOU ADD THE MILK AND KEEP STIRRING………YOU SHOULDNOT WALK AWAY FROM IT!

ALTHOUGH, I HAVE FOR A MINUTE AND ITS BEEN FINE BUT KEEP STIRRING AND KEEP THE HEAT SO IT IS NOT BOILING AND NOT TOO LOW!

YOU MAY HAVE TO ADJUST AS YOU GO.

AS I SAY IT TAKES A FEW ATTEMPTS BUT WORTH IT IN THE LONG RUN!

MAYBE A FEW OF THOSE ITALIANS WHO ARE HERE READING CAN ADD THEIR SUCCESS STORIES!

 LINDA & DIANA YOU ARE PUT ON THE SPOT HERE and ALL OTHERS ARE SO WELCOME!

MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD OF THIS POST AS SHE WAS A GREAT BELIEVER IN TRAVEL AND COOKING!SHE RAISED TWO SONS ON HER OWN BY BEING A FOOD & WINE COLUMNIST FOR THE OAKLAND TRIBUNE IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA when she lived in San Francisco third generation I might add.Close to where I live today!

She gave me for my BIRTHDAY and CHRISTMAS cookbooks when I was in elementary school that were created I think by TIME MAGAZINE!You can imagine THE JOY on my face when I received those!!!HA HA……..but I do remember looking at THE PHOTOS AS THERE WERE LOADS OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS in each book.

I FOUND THEM ON EBAY!I WAS RIGHT!TIME MAGAZINE!

COOKBOOKS MY GRANNY GIFTED ME!

She must have been stirring the pot hoping for me to catch a glimpse of the world through these Cookbooks that were by COUNTRY.Well, it worked and low and behold I lived in ITALY for three years, two months and seven days……….

 

I travelled around the WORLD at the age of 20 with SEMESTER AT SEA.Saw countries I would have NEVER PLANNED A VACATION TOO!This was another GIFT by a FAMILY MEMBER.I made LIFE LONG FRIENDS ON THAT THREE MONTH STUDY TRIP and really learned that WE HERE IN AMERICA have it SO MUCH BETTER THAN A LOT OF THE REST OF THE WORLD.If you have a college age child this is something I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.Of course, when I was on it it was an OLD NAVY SHIP I hear now its a CRUISE SHIP with BEAUTY PARLOR AND BARBER SHOP!

SEMESTER AT SEA GIRLS FROM Southern California!

  SPRING 1981

 I WAS 20 years old.

 

SLOW DOWN AND APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE.ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED OR BEEN GIFTED OVER THE YEARS.USE THE GOOD STUFF EVERY SINGLE DAY!I donot see us DRESSING UP or going to FESTIVE THEMED PARTIES in the NEAR FUTURE……….MAKE YOUR OWN PARTY IN YOUR OWN ABODE AND BE HAPPY!

SURROUND YOURSELF with the OLD and the NEW and the UGLY!

I will be working on a POST on HOW TO FIND JOY!

DO YOU STILL HAVE IT OR HAS IT SLIPPED AWAY………..?

I will SHARE how I have created BURSTS OF JOY ALL AROUND ME!

HOPE YOU WILL STAY SUBSCRIBED AND IF YOU NEED TO DO THAT THE BOX TO DO SO IS RIGHT BELOW HERE!

KEEP SCROLLING TO COMMENT SECTION.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU MAKE THE SALMON LASAGNA!

I WISH YOU ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE……….HEALTH BEING NUMBER ONE!

XXX

 

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  • Linda T
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 8:39 AM

    I never knew that I was a béchamel expert! I have always used Marcella Hazan’s receipe from the Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. You can never go wrong with Marcella!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:46 PM

      I HAVE THAT BOOK SHALL CHECK IT!
      GRAZIE BELLA!
      XXX

  • anita
    · Reply

    January 12, 2022 at 6:59 PM

    Ciao Bella,
    Grazie mille per la ricetta.
    Suona cosi bene e cosi facile (can’t find where i can change the format to do the accents on the i )
    We have a trout farm close by and they do beautiful smoked trout……….I think that would work nicely too.
    I did read your last post Elizabeth but forgive me I forgot to comment. Must have got distracted.
    I see there’s a new post now so I’m going to read that.
    p.s……….you havent changed a scrap since your 20’s bella
    Salute

    Anita xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:47 PM

      A SCRAP?
      LOVE YOUR LINGO DOWN UNDER!!!!

      AND THANK YOU!!!!
      YES I HAVE!
      XOXO

  • Jeanne Henriques
    · Reply

    January 11, 2022 at 8:33 AM

    This recipe looks delicious Elizabeth! Thank you for sharing. I always love your bits of wisdom and as for JOY….yes, every day!! Take care, my friend. Jeanne xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 12, 2022 at 8:47 AM

      THANKS SO MUCH!
      XXX

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    January 10, 2022 at 7:46 AM

    YOU AND I KNOW HOW TO CREATE JOY THATS FOR SURE!AND TO THINK WE WERE WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE WHEN I DID SEMESTER AT SEA!THE TRUNKS WERE PURCHASED AT RITE AID IN Costa Mesa!THAT IS HOW I MET KIM………dont know if you saw that on Facebook or Instagram but I put up a photo of four of us and within 24 hours other people I knew had also known these GIRLS!!!!
    THE WORLD IS SMALL………………
    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SEMESTER AT SEA!REALLY HAS AN EFFECT ON YOU FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES………….XOXO

  • Tamera beardsley
    · Reply

    January 10, 2022 at 7:35 AM

    Oh I am in awe that you did Semester at Sea!! I always dreamed of doing so … but way just to timid to actually commit!! I can only imagine how life changing it must have been! Love learning more about your Grandmother … She must be So Proud of you my dear!! Kudos for your post on Joy!! Can’t wait to read it my dear! I think it is so important to not only seek it … but create it as well! Sending you big Hugs my friend!! XOXO

  • Diana Amato
    · Reply

    January 10, 2022 at 7:16 AM

    I learned to make béchamel from my girlfriend, Alessandra, who grew up in Milan. She taught me to use equal parts butter to flour, by weight. Also, FULL FAT MILK: this is what creates a silkiness to the sauce without it breaking. Seasoning the béchamel is so important, too! I use plenty of nutmeg.
    1 liter whole milk
    100gr butter
    100gr flour
    This is my trifecta, go to proportions to make a beautiful béchamel sauce.

    I also was fortunate enough to study abroad in England when I was a senior in high school. Talk about lifelong friends and adopted families! It gave me a perspective of the world I would never otherwise have had. I cannot wait for my son to have similar experiences in his young life!

    Love this post and I will try your Salmon Lasagna. Looks delicious!

    Un forte abbraccio,
    Diana, La Zingara

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 10, 2022 at 7:40 AM

      THANK YOU DIANA…………….YES I USE WHOLE MILK TOO!NO FAT FREE OR SKIM MILK HERE JUST WOULD NOT TURN OUT RIGHT!
      I SHALL TRY YOUR WAY SOON……….MILLIE GRAZIE!!
      WE ALL GOTTA EAT OR MANGIA!!!
      VERO!
      XXX

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    January 9, 2022 at 4:00 PM

    SMOKED SALMON PASTA SAUCE IS THE EASIEST and fastest sauce EVER!HARD TO FLUB THAT UP!
    I HAVENOT READ THE SECOND BOOK YET………I WILL LOOK UP EARTHING NOW!!!
    SO HAPPY I COULD HELP YOU!!!
    YOU SHOULD ALSO LOOK INTO BEING A HSP…….HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON!THEY CAN GO HAND IN HAND BUT ARE A BIT DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER!I AM READING ABOUT THAT NOW!!
    XXX

    • Cheryl Warren
      · Reply

      January 10, 2022 at 11:35 AM

      I learned of hsp on Instagram in the last couple years and relate to that too. But the empath qualities, including feeling energy from others, having a real connection with animals, especially birds–which is strange because we don’t have pet birds but I converse with birds that show up at our house, including the lame turkey I posted about that followed me home. I’m also intuitive and have had prophetic dreams and feel some things more deeply than others I know, like music and nature and bad energy. Knowing I’m an empath feels like a huge piece of a puzzle I’d never figured out and really just thought I was a quirky freak of nature! Thanks again.

      • LA CONTESSA
        · Reply

        Author
        January 10, 2022 at 3:26 PM

        I CAN SO RELATE CHERYL!!!
        SO HAPPY I TOUCHED YOU AND HELPED FILL IN THE ????
        I FOUND IT TO BE EXTREMELY INTERESTING!!!
        AS I SAID BEFORE I CALLED IT “STREET SMARTS” I DIDNOT KNOW HOW TO DESCRIBE IT!
        XXX

  • Cheryl Warren
    · Reply

    January 9, 2022 at 2:55 PM

    I am looking forward to making your lasagna recipe! It sounds delicious. My husband does smoked salmon on his grill/barbecue/smoker, and coincidentally I made a smoked salmon pasta dish for New Year’s Eve, not knowing if it had a chance of being good and it was great, but yours is healthier!
    Also, I got both empath books and, again, I’m so grateful to you for writing about that. Can’t believe I am an empath and didn’t know there were others just like me. Dr. Orloff’s book has a section on Earthing, which I learned about last summer and have been doing for several months. It’s worth looking into if you haven’t.
    Thanks so much for taking the time to enlighten us ..about so many things!

  • D. A. Squires
    · Reply

    January 9, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    My recipes are not well organized and I have too many (unused) cookbooks…the favorites are known by my children based on the paper they are written on (the paper is an archeological marker of time and place of origination and frequency of use) that always seem to disappear when they are needed. Love the ingredients of your recipe, but afraid of the sauce. I tried to make homemade caramel over xmas (1st layer shortbread, 2nd layer caramel, top layer melted dark chocolate topped w/ crushed candy canes), but the caramel never thickened properly (among other things involved adding dark beer…) I spent an hour whisking what should have taken 20 min, and never even fully set in fridge… but it looked beautiful– uncut : )
    Your semester-at-sea reminded me of the classic ‘Oh the places you’ll go’ book by Dr. Seuss…how wonderful!! And that you brought back so many ‘artifacts’… your love of travel and keen eye for acquisition were evident early on!!
    Look forward to reading your next post (I now feel qualified to write a short story on that subject : )
    Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year dear Contessa!!
    XOXO

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 9, 2022 at 3:57 PM

      YOUR EMAIL MADE ME CRY…………WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY!!!!
      XOXO

  • Kim
    · Reply

    January 9, 2022 at 11:38 AM

    Fun post. I like your lasagna tips! I didn’t know all that about béchamel. I don’t care for smoked salmon , but will try this with something else.

    Fun you did the semester at sea. My friend’s daughter just did it! Wonderful experience. All American kids need more out of the country experiences. Too many haven’t ever left the bubble and it hugely helps open your eyes ! I wish my sons did it. I hope you find all your friends! xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 9, 2022 at 3:55 PM

      YOU can do the Bechamel sauce with a ragu too!
      I made certain MY BOYS WENT ON SEMESTER AT SEA.Remind me to tell you about the time we had dinner guests and didnot pick up the phone and the MESSAGE was from the CAPTAIN of the SHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I nearly fell OUT of my CHAIR !!
      XOXO

  • Candace Wilson Culp
    · Reply

    January 8, 2022 at 5:21 PM

    Oooh this looks divine!
    So excited to make… a tad confused as to how much Smoked Salmon… can you tell me in ounces? The recipe shown says 3 hg. What is that?
    You look grand, do hope you continue to get
    better. I look forward to hugging you and kissing Banksy and Betty one day.
    Xo candace

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 8, 2022 at 6:38 PM

      ONE PACKAGE……..I’ll look next time I go!
      My guess is about 6 ounces………..
      THANK YOU……….we all look forward to THAT TOO!
      XXX

  • Sarah London
    · Reply

    January 8, 2022 at 3:52 PM

    That recipe sounds delicious! Definitely one I’ve screenshot and may try.. would be lovely for a girls lunch with salad. No bread ? and yes, we should use what we have from those we love and loved ? everyday. Celebrate them and the way we live!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 10, 2022 at 7:34 AM

      WELL THE AMERICAN IN ME SAYS IF ITS JUST PASTA AND SALAD YES TO BREAD BUT IN ITALY THAT WOULD NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER BE A MEAL!!!
      XXX

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    January 8, 2022 at 1:55 PM

    Another entertaining and informative post! 🙂 I am not surprised you went on a Semester at Sea adventure- What a great gift that was!
    Happy New Year! <3

  • Heidi
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 5:20 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,
    The recipe sounds really good, Are you using smoked salmon or Lox, I think there is a difference? I will try it with GF lasagna noodles when I find them in stock again. GF the only way I can eat pasta or crackers, bread etc anymore. Otherwise my joints swell and I have pain in my entire body.( I’m careful to use the GF items with the most nutrition other that the ones base on only white rice)
    I grew up with that Time/Life cookbook series. I still have a few from my parents that I kept. I remember being fascinated by them and all the wonderful places to see, and different food to eat in the world. I wrote a report in third grade using the one from Germany (and my Mom!) as a reference!
    So great that you found your chums from school. I’m not in touch with anyone from that time in my life.
    Wishing you a very happy and HEALTHY new year!
    XO Heidi

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 5:28 PM

      I USED THEM FOR SCHOOL REPORTS AS WELL!!!!!!!!!
      I LOVE THAT WE SHARE THIS COMMON LINK!
      WHAT I have learned from FUNCTIONAL DOCTOR Is that they put other stuff that is not healthy for our bodies in the GLUTEN FREE BREADS AND CRACKERS………….maybe we should read the ingredients and decipher each and everything and then have a meeting of the minds………I need the bread once in awhile just to feel full and satisfied.I also learned yesterday that if you eat bad stuff say over the HOLIDAYS it effects your brain too not just the GUT which was my problem.MY doctor told me yesterday it may not be worth CHEATING EVER AGAIN say on a box of SEE’s chocolates…………..and of course that is what I DID Over XMAS!
      WE NEED TO DISCUSS!
      XXX

  • Lisa Thomson
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 2:20 PM

    Your recipe sounds and looks delicious, LA CONTESSA. I have never made Bechamel sauce but would like to try this. OH, that photo of you and your friends abroad is so cute. I turned seventeen in autumn 1981 😀 I agree about using everything you have and not saving the good for occasions! That said I am a bit clumsy and have broken the odd glass/tea cup but then I just say “Oh well, I’d rather use it and lose it then let it collect dust”. I look forward to your upcoming post on ‘JOY’!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 5:22 PM

      WE ARE OF THE SAME TIME ALMOST YOU YOUNG THING!
      THANK YOU……..I AM slowly working on that JOY POST!
      XXX

  • Cara
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 11:36 AM

    Happy new year, Ezizabeth!
    I mostly follow the Plant Paradox diet and when I cook pasta, I use cassava pasta which I like a lot. I haven’t found cassava lasagna noodles yet, though.
    I make a lasagna with thinly-sliced sweet potatoes, greens, onions, and mushrooms with a creamy sauce and nutritional yeast on top. It isn’t the same as a traditional lasagna, but it’s really good!
    Interestingly starches, including sweet potato, Irish potato, and rice, convert to resistant starches (which feed beneficial gut bacteria) when you refrigerate them overnight!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 12:16 PM

      SOUNDS DELICIOUS CARA!
      THANKS FOR SHARING!!!
      XXX

  • Lorna
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 11:23 AM

    My son loves smoked salmon so I may have to make it but I’ve never successfully made bechamel sauce. Perhaps I need to have more patience with it.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 12:14 PM

      Increase the heat a little bit if its not thickening!!!
      HE WILL ADORE YOU EVEN MORE FOR THE SALMON LASAGNA!!!
      XXX

  • Marleah
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 11:10 AM

    I’ve not had salmon lasagna and it looks absolutely delicious. Semester at Sea sounds like heaven, what a wonderful gift and opportunity.
    XO,
    Marleah

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 12:13 PM

      MARLEAH, we left from Ft.Lauderdale did South America and then SOUH AFRICA and INDIA Sri Lanka, Taiwan,HONG KONG and Japan then headed back home to San Francisco!IT was a GREAT TRIP………….I’m ready to do it ALL OVER AGAIN!
      XOXO

  • Ginger
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 10:25 AM

    Such a entertaining post! The salmon lasagna sounds and looks amazing! Do you use treccia mozzarella? Ive never made bechamel sauce before but you’ve inspired me! I love seeing the original recipe too. Your semester at sea sounds like such a unique and fascinating experience; you were so fortunate! Love the pic of you and your fellow travelers, such happiness! Looking forward to reading you upcoming post about keeping joy in our lives, thank you! Some days I do better than others in that respect, but I’m definitely an optimist at heart. Thank you for the joy and inspiration you share!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 12:09 PM

      TRECCIA is not a BRAND I am familiar with………..any mozzarella will do!The ones in the WATER OF COURSE are BETTER!
      I think I found those other TWO GALS in that old photo from SEMESTER AT SEA
      !WHAT A SMALL WORLD IT IS!
      YES, I was a VERY LUCKY STUDENT!
      XXX

  • Barbara Spain
    · Reply

    January 7, 2022 at 8:01 AM

    Salmon Lasagna! That’s new to me! I enjoyed a delicious Lobster Lasagna that one of my friends made for a dinner gathering some time ago. I am eager to try this recipe as my little granddaughter is a big fan of smoked salmon! This must be due to her Scandinavian heritage! Ya sure ya betcha! Thank you for sharing!
    I enjoyed seeing the photo of you and your travel companions! It just radiates such mirth and joy! Lifelong friends and a wonderful voyage at sea, such an amazing experience.
    By the way, I have two of those Time Life cookbooks you mentioned in your blog. I have the one featuring Scandinavia and I have the French cookbook. Originally, my dad had purchased the entire set so he could cook us meals from around the world for us kids! Not only did he make some great meals, I remember that we, as a family, enjoyed eating them! Take good care!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 11:54 AM

      SEE THOSE PARENTS AND MY GRANDMAMA WAS THINKING!
      LOVE THAT YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!
      SEMESTER AT SEA ORIGINATED AT CHAPMAN COLLEGE IN ORANGE,CALIF!!!
      XXX

  • Jacqueline
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 8:50 PM

    Delicious … I could eat any pasta dish everyday ! We have a large Italian community where I live. ….. Italy is our favourite holiday destination and the food is just amazing …… as much as I quite like cooking, I just can’t be bothered to make my own pasta ….. I read somewhere that most Italians use dried pasta and only have fresh when it’s a special occasion ? Happy, happy 2022 Elizabeth to you and your family. Sending much love from the U.K. XXXX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:49 AM

      TODAY YES THAT IS TRUE…………..I DO BELIEVE ABOUT THE PASTA!ALTHOUGH, I haven’t been there in years………..
      THOSE ITALIANS ARE BECOMING MORE AMERICANIZED!!!!
      THE FOOD THE VINO AND THE SCENERY CANNOT BE BEAT!
      BACK AT YOU JACQUELINE!
      XXX

  • Judith Fine-Sarchielli
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:17 PM

    I learned to add 2 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese to the bechamel. A secret from an Italian chef I met in LA.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:37 AM

      I BET THAT WOULD ADD A SPECIAL ZING!!!
      GORGONZOLA unfortunately has GLUTEN in it so NO CAN DO but HOPEFULLY SOME OTHERS READING HERE WILL GIVE IT A TRY!GRAZIE…………XXX

  • Nancy Case
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 5:13 PM

    This post is like opening up a beautiful gift package, packed full of joy! I am thinking that you’re experience at sea opened your eyes to the wonder of travel and culture at a very young age. I love hearing the story about you and your friend buying trunks to pack your stuff in. I’m definitely going to make the salmon lasagna and oh my goodness I bet that was a treat for your son. I love the picture of you twirling in that black beautiful dress with your lovely hair style. My spirits are uplifted from this post as I feel all my senses are touched. Thank you thank you thank you love you

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:45 AM

      YES, trunks were recommended for the clothing and other stuff one would need instead of luggage!Back then there were people to carry it and load it!I ended up emptying my clothes coming home as I had bought the AFRICAN STATUES that reside in my LIVING ROOM TODAY!NAMBI AND MOMBI for NAROBI and MOMBASA!A FRIEND of MY MOTHER’s told me before I went to buy the unusual things!SO I LISTEN AND DID THAT!IN Sri Lanka it was semi precious GEMS……….in AFRICA old wooden statues.In JAPAN it was a HUGH VINYAL SUITCASE TO CARRY MORE STUFF in the PORT OF KOBE!THAT was the final stop before heading Home across the ocean to San Francisco which someone had a BOOM BOX playing at full speed as we sailed under the GOLDEN GATE I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN Francisco!!!
      XXX

  • Pipistrello
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 5:03 PM

    Ciao Bella,

    I seldom do interesting things with smoked salmon but this recipe sounds quite lovely. Béchamel is such a useful and tasty sauce and I seem to make it rather a lot for one thing or another. I also adore dry pasta (Barilla is so reliable!) as I find it more versatile than freshly made but, occasionally, when a handmade pasta is hankered for, I’m like you – someone else has to make it!! My excuse is my kitchen bench top is too small but that’s just my lazy excuse!!! Totally with you on using your Good Stuff every day, too … else what is the point of having it?!!? Laughter and joy is a cornerstone in my diminished world, too, but it really has been ever thus, despite the brickbats that life throws our way 🙂

    Your Semester at Sea sounded like a fabulous life experience – I’d never heard of such a thing! You were a fortunate girl!!

    Baci xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:34 AM

      YES,IT WAS……….it was a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!AS SEMESTER A FLOAT IT WAS ONCE CALLED AND DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES WOULD SPONSOR IT!THE YEAR I WENT ON IT IT WAS THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO…….SO YOU GET COLLAGE CREDIT FROM THAT SCHOOL.ANOTHER BENEFIT WAS OLDER PEOPLE COULD JOIN UP AND TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF A NORMAL CRUISE SHIP!OF COURSE,THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE PATIENCE OF OUR YOUTH!IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE!
      XXX

  • Debbie
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 4:55 PM

    This post is a keeper… for the recipe and views on life. Thank you. Finding joy these days is becoming more difficult …., have developed Katherine Hepburn’s tremors. Very difficult. Cannot do stress…. Makes them way worse. cancelling travel to Europe…. Just local jaunts….this is my life at 73….. but…. So far I have had a very blessed life…. Can’t complain.. it is what it is. I will look forward to your thoughts on joy. I got a puppy….Pembroke Welsh Corgi… Rupert…. My joy….. and CHAOS!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:29 AM

      I HAD A CARDIGAN CORGI SIR WINSTON!OH I ADORED THAT DOG HE FOLLOWED ME EVERYWHERE!
      LOVE THE NAME RUPERT!!!
      BE CAREFUL AS MINE WAS ALWAYS UNDER FOOT AND WAS A TRIPPING HAZARD!!!
      LOOK DOWN BEFORE YOU STEP!
      I AM SO SORRY A TRIP TO EUROPE HAS BEEN CANCELLED!GO ON YOU TUBE AND FIND THE GREAT OLD HOMES & GARDENS AND TRAVEL BY CHAIR!THAT WILL HELP LIFT THY SPIRITS!!!
      MAYBE VISIT THE QUEEN AND HER CORGI’s TOO!
      THAT CHAOS keeps us moving…….AKA BENDING AND CLEANING UP!!!
      XXX

  • Juliet
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 4:12 PM

    Contessa! When you told me your youngest requested lasagna for Christmas you did not specify salmon. I abhor salmon. I know. It’s terrible and I’m an embarrassment to my PNW relatives. Anyhoo … your recipe and instructions can be translated into other types of lasagna fillings and so I’m making notes and filing it away. I agree that gluten free foods – like fat free foods – do not mean good for you foods. For that we need to stick with natural ingredients. It’s hard. Semester at sea! Look at you gals … and I swear you are wearing a caftan. Are you?! What an incredible experience and wonderful memories. Finding joy during these trying times, and cold, gloomy days is a challenge, but we must do it … in every little way we can (a good book brings me instant joy) and I look forward to your guidance on the subject. Until then … xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:23 AM

      NO CAFTAN HERE………….THAT WAS A SWEATER!
      For sure whip up some BECHAMEL SAUCE add a few mushrooms and spinach and you are on your way down a different road!
      YES, books keep me in GOOD COMPANY TOO!THIS WEATHER IS NOT MY FAVORITE but if it brings MORE RAIN WE NEED TO SUCK IT UP!!!
      XOXO

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 3:10 PM

    I used to make pasta, and while it makes a huge difference in the dish, I’m “over it.” All that work! Perhaps if I had someone to cook for I might feel differently, but store bought–definitely not the NO BOIL kind–is just fine. Love the picture of you and the other girls. You’ve always been a beauty! xoxox, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:18 AM

      YES, if time permits I agree………..but BARILLA WILL DO FOR ME!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH BRENDA!
      XXX

  • Maria Sorrell
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:56 PM

    You are pure sunshine. Thank you for your fabulous posts, always entertaining. What a beautiful photo of you at age 20, mind you still beautiful. Sending you joy, hope, good health, happiness & much love from down under, (Melbourne, Australia).

    Maria xxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 7, 2022 at 4:17 AM

      THANK YOU MARIA…………….IAM SO HAPPY YOU GET ME!
      HAPPY NEW YEAR!
      XXX

  • Katie Clooney
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:49 PM

    I love salmon and I love lasagna so I know I would lOVE that dish. Do you keep in touch with your buddies from Semester on the Sea? Hope your New Year is filled with good health and much happiness!! xx

  • Dee Black
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:46 PM

    Oh goodness I do not like salmon and husband will not eat pasta. I do have a son that loves both and I cannot wait to fix this for him with the note from mom with love. How sweet!
    I think you may be correct about gatherings in our future. Will count on you for providing theatre by Contessa always a joy.
    Hope you hear from the fellow students.

    Wonderful post and thank you!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 8:09 PM

      WE HAVE FOUND BOTH OF THE OTHER TWO STUDENTS JUST WAITING NOW TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM!
      AMAZING in less than 24 hours two other friends of mine from my PAST KNEW THEM AND WENT TO SCHOOL WITH THEM!!!
      WHAT A SMALL SMALL WORLD!!!
      XXX

  • bonnie sachs
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:21 PM

    ha! too many cookbooks – too little time…those time/life cookbooks from around the world traveled west with me and still get used. i’m a recipe addict! and i still print them from my computer and file them by catagory. of course it takes more time to find them in my catalogs than it would to look them up on line again! re: gluten free – no, not healthy, just not wheat starch. but necessary for me if i want to eat pasta. always enjoy your posts! and finally receiving them in my email!!! yay!!! stay well, my friend! and again, happy new and JOYOUS year.
    bonnie

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 8:08 PM

      SO HAPPY YOU ARE RECEIVING AGAIN………STUPID MAILCHIMP!ITS SUPPOSE TO DELIVER ON TIME I CAN ALWAYS TELL FROM THE STATS IF THE WHOLE MAILING DIDNOT GO OUT!DO not know what to do about that!
      YOU KEEP FILING YOUR WAY…………..MY MOM COLLECTED COOKBOOKS…………BY CHANCE DO YOU HAVE THE FIRST EDITION OF JULIA CHILDS FRENCH COOKING?ITS WORTH OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS NOW!!!
      BIG HUG TO YOU!
      XXX

  • judith
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:12 PM

    What a fun post, Contessa! I was looking forward to pictures of all of you eating your delicious lasagna; but you made it for your son to take away. That is true love! It was so nice to see the actual recipe and read the language used by its writer; it was like hearing her speak the recipe, very personal. I have handwritten recipes from my sister and my Granny, both of whom have gone on to their rewards; seeing these keep them alive for me. You look splendid in black! And your swingin’ hairstyle is my FAVORITE of all of your haircuts! Looks beautiful! As to joy, I make it a point each day to enjoy even the simplest of moments and find reasons to celebrate. I am actively grateful every day. These past two years have been so difficult, and we must do all we can to persevere.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 8:03 PM

      AN ITALIAN WROTE IT AS YOU CAN TELL…………IT WAS A GOOD EFFORT!I LOVED THE FLOWER FOR FLOUR BIT!!
      I think it was the BUTCHERS wife from a friend of MY FIRST BORN IN SCHOOL.SHE HAD US FOR DINNER ONE NIGHT AND I THINK SERVED IT AND I ASKED HOW DO I MAKE THIS!!!
      I was due for a haircut yesterday but it got cancelled I need a bang trim but yes its working for me!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • Pat
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 1:04 PM

    Okay, first, you haven’t changed much at all since your semester art sea days!

    I may have to [pass on the salmon lasagna…I have no doubt that it’s delicious, but I have a weird thing about fish and creamy sauces or cheese. I can put Parmesan on pasta with shrimp, but that’s about it.

    I will, however, look forward to hearing how you’ve sprinkled joy around…I need to find some of my own these days.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM

      OH MY GOSH PAT PUTTING CHEESE ON FISH IS A REAL BIG NO NO IN ITALIAN CIRCLES!!!!
      I WILL NOT TELL THE ITALIAN HE WILL NEVER LET YOU FORGET THAT !!!
      A GOOD LAUGH WILL BE HAD………….
      WE NEED A DATE!!SOON!!!
      XXX

  • Judy Truex Reed
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 12:11 PM

    Thank you Contessa for the pasta recipe. Headed off to make now. We are snowed in in Tennessee.

    Always, thank you for your inspiration, beauty, recipes , fashion ideas, suggestions. You are a JOY.

    Hugs,
    Judy

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:58 PM

      THANK YOU VERY MUCH…………..LET ME KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT!!!!
      XXX

  • Donna O'Klock
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 10:53 AM

    Thank you for this, Contessa, it looks really delicious! You made a good point about a gluten-free lifestyle not being any healthier – I wondered why people thought that – when I felt banished to it because of a wheat/grain/legume allergy.
    The new Barilla no-boil gluten-free noodles would hold up well, they are soft, like over-cooked pasta, and have no ruffled edge, which I miss!
    But a Bechamel made with GF flour is just not worth it! Life is too short – and I would never do this dish that disservice, so I will have to make this the right way, when the time is right!
    Also, thank you for your fashion inspiration – I got up this morning and for the first time, threw on a Chinese embroidered-silk jacket with frog closures that’s been in my closet for 7 years! With baggy blue jeans!!! All dressed up with nowhere to go.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:57 PM

      TAKE A GLUTEN DIGEST PILL BEFORE EATING!!!
      THEY WORK FOR ME AND ARENOT EXPENSIVE!!
      I LOOKED TONIGHT FOR THE GF LASAGNA NOODLES BUT I DIDNOT FIND THEM!
      XXX

      • Donna O'Klock
        · Reply

        January 7, 2022 at 11:58 AM

        I had to order the GF Barilla no-boil noodles from Amazon. They come in a package of 3 boxes. I will look for the gluten digest pills there now. Don’t care what they cost if they will work for me! Thank you!
        XO Donna

        • LA CONTESSA
          · Reply

          Author
          January 7, 2022 at 12:18 PM

          WELCOME THE PILLS ARE THERE!!!
          XXX

  • Elizabeth Barlow
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 9:51 AM

    Love this! And YOU!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:56 PM

      THANK YOU!!!
      WE MUST MEET THIS YEAR!!
      XXX

  • Michele
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 9:20 AM

    Loved this post as I do all of your stories! You make even recipes entertaining. I love hearing the customs in Italy compared to our Americanized Italian. I learned a lot from my Italian noni who couldn’t speak or write English and I loved making pasta with her in her kitchen. I never make it myself but it is one of those someday soon goals although I always make my own pizza dough. Thanks so much for the bechamel recipe – I have never been able to master it but I will try this. Loved seeing you recent pics for the holidays and hubbys BD!Your granddaughter is precious!!
    Michele

    • Michele
      · Reply

      January 6, 2022 at 9:22 AM

      Oh no – Heart turned into question marks?

      • LA CONTESSA
        · Reply

        Author
        January 6, 2022 at 9:29 AM

        YES,IT DOES THAT IF YOU ARE POSTING FROM YOUR PHONE?!!
        HAVE NO IDEA WHY!
        I CAN REMOVE THEM!!!
        XXX

  • Dinnerpartyguru
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 7:28 AM

    I will definitely try the lasagna! And yes I still have my Joy. As you said it is the everyday delights that make up your life – let’s make them special- good China, use that bridal silver, candles, drink the wine you are saving for a special occasion, kiss your dog,cat or PIG, hug your husband AND LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST.

    Chin chin
    Amanda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 9:33 AM

      CIN~ CIN AMANDA!
      TO A LIFE WELL LIVED AND ADORED!
      THANK YOU FOR READING ALONG!
      XXX

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    January 6, 2022 at 7:14 AM

    ONE MUST ENJOY THE PROCESS…………….AND SHARE!!!
    MAYBE YOU CAN SHARE A PASTA SAUCE RECIPE WITH US HERE?
    BACI BACK AT YA……….XXX

  • Robin
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:52 AM

    Wonderful post, cara Contessa!!

    You make everything an event and special.

    Baci di Umbria, XXo R

  • Leslie Lord
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:45 AM

    The lasagna sounds delicious! I love a bechamel sauce in my lasagna too!
    It’s snowing here again and I have some smoked salmon in the freezer so I might make this today!
    Look forward to reading your post about joy!
    Happy New Year !

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:13 AM

      HEADED OVER TO YOUR BLOG TO SEE IF I CAN COMMENT NOW USING CHROME!
      SNOWING!!!
      IS THAT NORMAL FOR YOUR PART OF CANADA?
      THINK MAYBE IT IS…………….
      NOW I BETTER WRITE ABOUT IT!!!!JOY THAT IS…….
      XXX

  • Linda Clark
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:30 AM

    Thank you for sharing !!
    Love all your posts on Instagram and your blogs!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:11 AM

      SO VERY KIND OF YOU TO SAY THAT!
      XXX

  • Nena Ivon
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:25 AM

    Yet another great post….I will, most certainly, make this yummy recipe! Thank you for sharing. I love those Time cookbooks and have many in my extensive cookbook collection.

    How exciting for you to travel the world in such a wonderful way!

    Hope to “see” you soon.

    New Year hugs,

    Nena

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:10 AM

      MY MOTHER COLLECTED COOKBOOKS!WE LET THE TIME COOKBOOKS GO IN THE SECOND TO LAST MOVE……..THAT WAS HARD FOR ME BUT I HAD NO WHERE TO STORE THEM.I DID USE A FEW FOR SCHOOL REPORTS I RECALL!
      YES< I MUST GET ON YOUR LIST! I WILL MAKE THAT A PRIORITY THIS WEEK! XXX

      • Nena
        · Reply

        January 6, 2022 at 4:20 PM

        ????

  • Judy
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 6:08 AM

    Thank you Contessa, salmon dish good. Even for a Kansas girl who was raised on beef.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 7:07 AM

      THIS IS A MUCH SHORTER TIME INVESTMENT THAN A BEEF RAGU!!!
      THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
      XXX

  • Jeanie Zorn
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 5:38 AM

    Always love seeing a bit of your life! Would love to try the lasagna. It’s so much fun to hear what your Italian would say regarding the recipe and life in general. You always lift me up, especially now when Covid has once again cancelled all our fun plans. Maybe I will go put on a caftan and jewelry and make it a contessa day! Thank you!!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 5:51 AM

      OH YES DO THAT YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
      THE ITALIAN WILL NOT EAT IN ITALIAN RESTAURANTS here if that tells you anything……………they have BENT to the AMERICAN WAY of EATING!AN Italian also would NEVER put butter on the bread!Now if you were a child and needed a snack BREAD BUTTER AND SALT would have been the recipe!!!OR bread with NUTELLA………..He also puts water in his red wine!!
      That would be a good post…….HINTS FROM A REAL ITALIAN!!!
      JEANIE I AM SORRY YOUR PLANS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED…………
      HAVE YOU READ LADY IN WAITING?A BOOK BY A WOMAN WHO HUNG OUT WITH THE QUEEN FOR YEARS?
      ITS A GREAT REAd if that will HELP………….THEN YOU CAN MOVE IT UP A NOTCH from a CONTESSA TO A QUEEN DAY!!!
      HANG IN THERE……………XXX

  • Parnassus
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 5:05 AM

    Hello Contessa, At a fancy restaurant here I was served smoked salmon fried rice, which sounds similar to your dish, with the salmon torn into bits and distributed throughout. I even tried this at home with pretty good success. In terms of the larger noodles, we have made manicotti and giant stuffed shells, but somehow lasagna never became standard with us. Today I would avoid all of these for their dairy content. By the way, the word “manicotti” just failed the spell check–what kind of people are compiling these dictionaries?
    –Jim

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 5:28 AM

      THAT HAPPENS TO ME ALL THE TIME!A SPELL CHECK FAILURE AS I KNOW I SPELLED A WORD WRONG SO THEN GOOGLE SEARCH IT BUT MY COMPUTER IS NOT PICKING THAT UP!YOU HAVE MADE A VERY GOOD POINT!!I WAS ALWAYS A TERRIBLE SPELLER STILL AM!
      GOOD AFTERNOON TO YOU IN TAWAIN!BY THE WAY I WENT THERE ON SEMESTER AT SEA!!!!TAPEI did I SPELL THAT RIGHT?!!!SAW A SHOW AND WENT TO THE GRAND HOTEL FOR TEA I BELIEVE IT WAS CALLED!THERE WAS AN EXCURSION TO SOME WATER FALLS………..CANNOT RECALL THE NAME!!
      XXX

  • Pam McKulla
    · Reply

    January 6, 2022 at 4:40 AM

    I have sold my home in Orinda and moved to Moraga CC
    Absolutely love it
    Come see me
    Pam McKulla

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 6, 2022 at 5:29 AM

      WILL DO!
      YOU are the third person I know to move there this past year!!!!
      XXX

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