Lovers' Lasagna Recipe

March 2, 2009 — -- Online dating isn't just for the youthful. It's also for the young at heart. Littleton, Colo. residents Leonard and Ruth fell in love with one another after meeting on Match.com.

The pair had their first date in June 2007, and after months of courtship and many meals, which included chicken cacciatore, the two widowers were married.

Ruth, 85, attributed part of their romance's success to her cooking, and 87-year-old Leonard even gained some weight from all the good eats.

Get the couple's recipe for lovers' lasagna below.

1 lb ground beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

2 T. olive oil

1 lb. can diced tomatoes

2 6 oz. cans tomato paste

2 cups water

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves

9 strips wide lasagna noodles

1 lb. ricotta cheese

8 ozs. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:In a large, heavy pan, brown beef and onion in oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper and oregano; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile cook lasagna as directed on package.

Drain in 13 x 9 x 2" baking pan, spread about 1 cup sauce.

Then alternate layers of lasagna, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, ending with sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbling.

Allow to stand for 15 minutes, cut into squares and enjoy! Makes 8 servings.