Camembert and Ham Lasagna

Sublime Lasagna Recipe with Camembert Cream and Ham

Cheese is, as we all know, an essential ingredient in all lasagna recipes by definition. A lasagna using french Camembert cheese is, however, slightly unheard of. Please, when buying Camembert or Brie french cheeses check the expiration date as the ammonia level in these cheeses rises toward the end of their lives to levels that make them not taste very good; I personally like these cheeses rather young, but that is a matter of taste...

Ingredients for the camembert cream with ham lasagna (for 6 guests):

* 12 lasagna noodles
* 6 zucchini
* 8 thick slices of ham
* 1 cup of half-half cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1 big Camembert (or Brie) cheese wheel
* nutmeg
* salt
* freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1) Cut the zucchini to strips and steam them for 8 to 10 minutes in order to try to keep them firm (I personally do this in the microwave in a dish covered with pierced plastic wrap). Add salt and pepper.

2) Preheat oven to 350 ˚F. Remove the Camembert's top crust and cut the whole cheese into small cubes. Cut the ham in strips. Bring the milk and cream to a simmer and add the camembert cheese, the pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir over low heat until the Camembert has completely melted.

3) Line the bottom of the lasagna dish with lasagna noodles; after this alternate layers of ham, zucchini, cheese sauce and lasagna pasta. Top the last layer of this lasagna, covered with melted camembert cream. Place a few butter knobs and bake for 35 minutes.

Serve with a plate of chopped romaine lettuce salad with garlic and balsamic vinegar, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and this meal will be complete...