From resisting the pull of Hobby Lobby’s Christmas aisles to planning easy weeknight meals, Dina shares how she’s learning to slow down and “park” with God—literally and spiritually. Using those in-between moments—like waiting in the car pickup line—to reconnect with God instead of just scrolling your phone. Reflecting on Psalm 32:5–7, Dina reminds us that God doesn’t seek to condemn but to heal, if we’re willing to bring everything before Him.

This Week in the Kitchen:

1. Spinach & Sausage Lasagna (this week’s featured recipe)
2. A customizable Taco Tuesday
3. Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Recipe of the week: https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/creamy-spinach-sausage-lasagna

Spinach Sausage Lasagna

Serves 6-8

Prep Time: 35-40 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

5 cloves garlic

2 lbs sweet Italian sausage crumbled, out of its casing

2 28oz cans of crushed tomatoes

1/2 c red wine

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp dried basil

1 tsp pepper

5 oz fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped

1 1/2 lbs lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

3/4 c fresh ricotta cheese whole milk, divided

1 1/2 c grated mozzarella cheese

Bechamel sauce

2 Tbsp flour

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 c parmesan, grated

4 c whole milk

1/2 tsp kosher salt

Recipe note: If you buy the sausage in the casing make sure to squeeze it out of the casing and use a wooden spoon to crumble it into the pan.

Instructions

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, saute the garlic in the olive oil over a medium heat. Saute until the garlic starts to brown, about 1 minute.
2. Then add the sausage (out of the casing, crumbled) to the pot. Brown the sausage, stirring every so often, about 8-10minutes.
3. Then add the 2 cans of tomatoes, along with one cup of water, red wine, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir together. Bring to a simmer, cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. While the tomato sauce is simmering fill another large pot with water and bring to a boil for the lasagna noodles. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
5. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Try to cook them until they are al dente, not completely soft as they will cook more in the oven.
6. Once the lasagna noodles are done drain them and set aside. I drizzle some olive oil over them to prevent them from sticking together when it is time to use them!

Cheesy bechamel sauce

1. In a small pot melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown — about 2 minutes.
2. Add 2 cups of milk and whisk, add in the 2 more cups of milk and whisk until smooth. Stir the mixture constantly for about 5 minutes as it thickens. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 7 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and add the salt, and grated parmesan.

Finishing the lasagna

1. In the bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish ladle about 1/2 cup of the sauce spreading it out. Then arrange a layer of lasagna noodles along the bottom covering the sauce. Spread about 1/3 of the ricotta over the noodles, then layer on the chopped spinach about a cup. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, I usually get about 2 layers or so out of this. (pictures below)
2. The top layer should be a layer of noodles, sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. You may add some more spinach if you have some left over. Then pour over 1 cup of the bechamel sauce.
3. Cover the lasagna with foil and place into the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly! Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it.

Resources:

Dina’s Cookbook- https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The DishItGirl Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Fall has officially arrived, pumpkins, mums, and all! Dina might be a summer girl at heart, but she’s embracing the cozy chaos of this new season. Between weekend sports, dance classes, and family moments on the sidelines, she’s sharing a peek into her real-life kitchen lineup. But beyond the recipes, Dina opens up about the beauty she’s finding in this busy season, the joy of cheering on her daughter, the lessons learned in between soccer fields, and a deeper reflection on how God cheers us on, too. What if He’s not a distant, stoic figure, but the biggest fan in your corner, urging you to keep going, keep believing, and keep running your race?

Drawing inspiration from Mark 10:49 and the story of Bartimaeus, this episode is an uplifting reminder to throw off what’s holding you back, run toward Jesus, and know that He’s at the finish line, celebrating your faith every step of the way.

Tune in for honest conversation, heartfelt encouragement, and a taste of real life - sticky chicken and all.

This Week in My Kitchen

1. Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

2. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

3. Sticky Chicken Bites

Recipe of the Week: Sticky Chicken Bites

https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/honey-chicken-bites

Serves 3-4 

Prep: 7 minutes

Inactive Time: 2hr 30 min

Ingredients

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp water

2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Add the chicken to your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the stock, honey, pepper, garlic powder, pepper, soy sauce, Parmesan, and garlic. Pour mixture over the chicken. Stir to combine. It is okay if the sauce will not completely cover the chicken.
3. Seal your slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 2 hours. Your chicken cubes should be completely cooked.
4. In a small bowl, completely dissolve the cornstarch in water, using a small spoon to mix until you have a uniform white liquid. Pour into the sauce and stir, cover and cook on high for 30 more minutes, the sauce should thicken.
5. Serve over rice or with greens if desired.

Resources:

Dina’s Cookbook- https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org