A New Spinach Lasagna Recipe

I have a tried-and-true spinach lasagna recipe (thank you, Annie!) that I have successfully made dozens of times over the past 11 years of marriage. But I came across this recipe as I was reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and I'd like to give it a try.

Here it is:
1 pound whole-grain lasagna noodles
Prepare according to package directions.
4 cups chopped spinach
Steam for 2-3 minutes, let excess water drain.
16 ounces tomato sauce
2 cups fresh ricotta
2 cups mozzarella

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large casserole. Cover surface with a layer of noodles, 1/2 of the ricotta, 1/2 of the spinach, 1/3 of the remaining sauce, and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Lay down another layer of noodles, the rest of the ricotta, the rest of the spinach, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Spread a final layer of noodles, the remainder of the sauce and mozzarella; bake uncovered at 350 for 40 minutes.

Source: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Hoppin' John

I came across this recipe in the January 2011 edition of Family Circle. I always like to make black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, so this year I'm planning to make this recipe.

Place 1 3/4 cups dried black-eyed peas in a colander and rinse under cold water.
In a large Dutch oven, cook 4 slices bacon, diced, over medium heat until crisp, 8 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon. Set aside. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, to drippings; cook 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in black-eyed peas, bacon, 4 cups water, 8 ounces diced ham, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup uncooked converted long-grain white rice. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let mixture stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in 3 chopped scallions before serving.