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My friend Nancy lives on an island all summer with her family. They have an AMAZING beach so when the sun comes out you will most likely find me there. For last weeks visit, I had an "idea" for making mini lasagnas that could be finger food for our lake day. I basically winged it as it was only an idea. First batch was very good and quickly eaten by children and adults. But, as the saying goes, "two heads are better than one!" Very true. We began to brain storm on how to turn good into GREAT. Nancy suggested placing a slice of peperoni on the lower layer to prevent the cheese from soaking in too much and she just happened to have some on hand. Note: when you live on an island, getting to town is not an everyday event so you stock up the freezer when you do make the trip. OK where was I.... The muffin tin I used held 12. For our second batch we used Nancy's tin that held 6 larger muffins. Both worked well, but we agreed that preparing our "Little Italy Bites" were easier to handle when using the larger muffin cups. Theory being every thing spreads out more making them somehow less messy to eat. Of course you can make more at-a-time with the 12 cup, but which ever one you own, these can easily be frozen, put in freezer bags and simply re-heat in the oven as a do-ahead party treat (and who doesn't like do-ahead ideas!). In order to explain assembly, I've added several pictures. We will definitely make again and again, and who knows, next time we might try a Mexican take on the recipe? If it sparks your imagination, please share!
LITTLE ITALY BITES
Won ton wrappers (produce department of your store)
Ricotta cheese (always use Whole milk Ricotta!!)
Pound Italian sausage (bulk)
Favorite spaghetti sauce
Peperoni slices
Mozzarella cheese
Cook sausage in frying pan, drain any grease
Add spaghetti sauce ( just till sausage is coated, I'd say 3/4th of a jar)
Spray muffin tins with Pam
Place one won ton into each cup. Peperoni slice on bottom. Dollop of Ricotta (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Top with about 1/2 teaspoon spaghetti sausage mix. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Place a second won ton over first layer (reverse the corners). Simply repeat the layers, ending with mozzarella.
Bake at 350 for about 15 min. You want the won tons to be crispy around the edge. Lift out onto your platter. Let cool a minute or two. Again, the concept could work with all kinds of ingredients so let your imagination go wild, I love new ideas! xox Pinky
