zucchini lasagna

This spring I planted my first garden. It has been a great learning experience! I enjoy the feeling of planning and preparing a meal that I have put hard labor into. Another benefit of this agriculture adventure is how perticular scriptures have become real to me. One scripture that has taken on new meaning is

1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither he who plants or he who waters in anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

This verse reminds me that anything good I can contribute is really to God's credit, not mine. This verse is refreshing. When I rest in the assurancece that God is in control, I find peace of mind. We contribute to the process (watering/growing), but nothing could happen if God didn't make things grow. He is in absolute control.

When I began planting the seeds in my garden, I listed to my neighbor what I was hoping would grow. I told her that one of the plants in my garden was zucchini. Her response was "plant zucchini, feed the world." Was she ever right? We are up to our ears in zucchini. I've grilled, sauteed, baked bread, and anything else I could think of.

In an effort to decrease our surplus, E and I invited a couple friends over and served them zucchini lasagna. I was a little nervous, never having made this recipe before. I am here to share because it turned out delicious!

Here are a couple things you will need to make your own zucchini lasagna:

2 1/2 cups zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 2 medium
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 small tomatoes, cut up
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon flour

Slice zucchini and chop onion

Cook zucchini in boiling water until tender Fry meat and onions - drain fat
Add next 8 ingredients and bring to a boil - reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes In a small bowl slightly beat egg
Add cottage cheese, half of shredded cheese, & flour
Arrange 1/2 of meat mixture in a 1 1/2 qt. baking dish Top with half of the zucchini & all of the cottage cheese mixture Top with remaining meat and zucchini
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes Sprinkle with remaining cheese & bake 10 minutes longer

Let stand 10 minutes before serving
ENJOY