Noodle Kugel for...Lent?

Years and years ago, I worked at our Jewish Community Center. I loved that job! I was a receptionist, preschool aid, day care giver, camp counselor and latch key care giver. It was a lot of fun, and I loved, loved, loved learning many of the traditions of the Jewish faith. They were so beautiful, and I often thought to myself if I weren't Catholic, I could whole heartedly become Jewish. Now, while I am not one to convert to another religion for the food, the food of the Jewish people might convince one to do so. Matzo ball soup, Kosher deli sammys, Hamantashen, Noodle Kugel - ah, the kugel. I still dream of it, so, I'm gonna make it!

Here's what you need:

• 1 large package of  egg noodles
• 1/2 stick of  melted butter
• 16 oz tub of cottage cheese
• 16 oz tub of sour cream
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. good vanilla 
• A little bit of milk or cream poured over the top - not in the original, but I like to do this with most noodle dishes - mac 'n cheese - keeps it nice and moist while it bakes. Not too much, you don't want to loose the custard consistency! 

For the crunchy topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4-1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

• Cook your noodles - I tend to leave them just a little undone - less gummy later
• In a large bowl, mix the noodles with all the other ingredients
• Dump in all into a 9x13 pan (Pam it first!)
• Mix your topping ingredients - I like to crush the cornflakes just a bit - and sprinkle them over the noodles
• Bake the whole shebang for about an hour @350. Top should be brown and bubbly!    

Wish I had a beautiful photo - but until the other day when I posted a recipe on Facebook, it had never occurred to be to take a photo of food! I guess I better get with it - but make this - super yummy! A lady named Freda taught me how to make this one time for a teacher's meeting at the JCC, and I really loved it. She even showed me how to work in a Kosher kitchen, which was really interesting, and hard! Kugel is comfort food, for sure. Meatless, but I know there are chicken versions that sound good, too. But for Lent, this is a nice one. Serve it with a more substantial green salad, and your good to go for lunch or dinner on Friday!