Years of tireless pursuit have led me to the ultimate lasagna recipe. Every bite transports me back to a beloved memory, filling my heart with warmth and joy. The aroma of fresh herbs and rich tomato sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the cheesy goodness that oozes from between the layers of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that demands to be savored, every flavor exploding on the taste buds like a symphony of deliciousness. This is not just any lasagna – it’s a masterpiece. And I am proud to have finally discovered its secrets.

In the fond memories of our family, there is always a place for Orlando. When our children and grandchildren were young and full of boundless energy, we would often take the entire family to this magical city. I sometimes wonder if the younger even remember these trips but Mimi and Papa sure do.

One year, after a long day of thrilling adventures at Universal Studios, we settled down for a satisfying meal at The Portifino. Every bite was an explosion of flavors and aromas – from the rich tomato sauce to the fragrant basil and oregano. A symphony of laughter and conversation filled the air as we shared stories and made new memories. My granddaughter Ari, who was just learning to master her words, confidently ordered the Lasagna but adorably pronounced it as “Basagna.” 

As we waited patiently for our food to arrive, Ari’s eyelids grew heavy and she eventually succumbed to the comfort of the table, drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Her Lasagna arrived but we had it bozed up, not wanting to disturb the little princess. For the next hour, she was blissfully unaware of our conversation and the delicious aromas wafting from our plates. Just as we were finishing our meals and preparing to depart, Ari suddenly jolted awake and loudly exclaimed, “Where’s my Basanga!” Her outburst caused quite a stir in the restaurant, with heads turning towards our table in surprise. It was a moment that we still laugh about fondly when reminiscing about our trips to Orlando. And despite knowing the correct pronunciation, we can’t help but affectionately refer to lasagna as “Basanga” among ourselves.

The lasagna served at The Portifino was a culinary masterpiece, with layers of rich and creamy cheeses expertly interwoven between thin sheets of pasta. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of savory and indulgent. After countless experiments and trials in my own kitchen, I have finally crafted a recipe that comes close to replicating the deliciousness found at The Portifino. And now, I am thrilled to share it with you, so you too can experience the mouthwatering delight of this exceptional dish.