Skip to main content

Featured

Syria's Deadliest Days: Over 1,000 Killed in Clashes and Revenge Killings

In a tragic escalation of violence, over 1,000 people have lost their lives in Syria during two days of intense clashes and revenge killings. The conflict erupted between Syrian security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, with sectarian violence targeting the Alawite community, a key support base of the former regime. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll includes 745 civilians, 125 government security personnel, and 148 militants. The violence has left areas like Latakia without electricity and water, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. The revenge killings, primarily carried out by Sunni Muslim gunmen, have devastated Alawite villages, with reports of targeted shootings, looting, and arson. Thousands have fled to the mountains seeking safety, while bodies remain unburied in the streets of towns like Baniyas. This marks one of the deadliest episodes in Syria's 14-year conflict, raising fears of further inst...

Pesto Lasagna

 

The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add onion. Cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining 2 cups mozzarella; set aside. Spread about 1-1/2 cup cheese sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with 3 noodles and half of each of the following: ricotta mixture, pesto and spinach. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Comments