Loving The Bird: Turkey Lasagna & Braised Chicken With Kale

I’m going to tell you something that may shock a lot of you…I have never had a meat lasagna before. I’ve enjoyed butternut squash lasagna, eggplant lasagna, spinach lasagna, and plain old cheese lasagna. I’ve had lasagna with imitation meat products, but never good old fashion MEAT. When I told my friend this, she gave me a look that probably a lot of you have on your face right now. She immediately invited me over for a dinner party with a couple other friends where she said she would make me the “best turkey lasagna ever!” Once she told me it was based off this Barefoot Contessa recipe, I knew I would be in for a special treat.

Not only was this the best turkey lasagna, it was actually the best lasagna I’ve ever had. The spicy and rich turkey sausage mixed with creamy and tangy goat cheese and melty fresh mozzarella…her apartment smelled like an Italian grandmothers kitchen (or what I imagine that would smell like). Ina Garten can do no wrong in my eyes, and with the recipe in my friends hands…it was magic!

Cheesy goodness!

Continuing with my poultry cravings, I decided to make a recipe I’ve had bookmarked for quite some time. This braised chicken and kale recipe from CookingLight seemed like the perfect one pot protein and veg meal.

The only change I made was to use bone in chicken breasts instead of the thighs as we are white meat eaters in this household. Served with a side of barley salad (recipe found here), it was the perfect healthy comfort food meal. Poultry craving satisfied….for now!

Braised chicken and kale with roasted asparagus and mushrooms and barley salad