Another question :)

[Jessica]

I'm making my two lasagnas today for the dinner party tonight. One meat, one veggie. Should I bake them both together? They won't fit side-by-side, so I'll have to put one on top & maybe switch half-way through ...?

Or, should I bake them separately? If so, how do I heat the first one I bake back up after baking the second?

:crazy: :)

[merci_me]

1. Are you using metal pans?

If so, that lets the microwave out, for a quick re-heating.

I don't like to stack casserole dishes in the oven. I'd plan on popping the first one back into the oven, immediately after the second one is done, with the oven turned way down, like 200 degrees. You could keep both of them in there, once all the melting and browning has been done.

To keep the first one warm, while the second is in the oven, I've wrapped casseroles in heavy duty foil and then a bath towel or two around that.

If you have a long time to hold, you can always put the foil and towel covered casserole in a clean and empty dishwasher and set it to the dry cycle. If it's too heavy to balance on the rack, I put a large cutting board in there, with cups or whatever turned upside down, under the the cutting board to steady it. If you use that method, test run it now, to be sure it can work for you.

on edit: What about a neighbor's oven for one of the casseroles? Then you could start them just a few minutes apart.

Have a great time at your party!

Mary

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

2. I cook for large groups quite often.

I would bake them both together, switch half way through & rotate back to front. Lasagna is pretty forgiving, not like cookies or cakes or others that need really even cooking & temp control. When they're done (stick a skewer or something metal, pull it out & touch it to your tongue) you can put the oven at 200 or so & hold them.

Also, as an aside, I have the best luck with serving lasagna if I let it sit for 10 minutes or so before serving.

I remember from your other thread that you were serving bread also. I assume garlic bread? Is that right? You can get your bread all ready to go & when the lasagna is done, pull it out of the oven, turn your temp up to broil, & stick the bread in. The lasagna will have a chance to sit, your bread can finish up & you're all ready. (if I've told you something you already know just ignore this)

Good luck & have fun & if something goes wrong just carry on! No one will care or probably even notice.

best