With all the excitement and activity this busy month, I decided that this year I would make an easier pasta dish instead of our traditional lasagna. So I emailed PJ with a choice of either stuffed shells or baked ziti, and he chose baked ziti. He would like everyone to believe that I asked only him because he is my favorite or because I value his opinion the most, but the truth of the matter is that he doesn't eat turkey, so I thought it was only fair that he should choose the other main dish. So, to all my children - no matter what you read on facebook, I love you all the same!
Baked Ziti
2 lbs. Ziti
Spaghetti Sauce (4 quarts homemade, or favorite brand)
Ricotta Cheese (4 lbs.)
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1 and 1/2 Cups, plus more for top)
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)
4 eggs
Salt and pepper
Prepare sauce, if using homemade. Prepare ziti according to package directions, being careful not to overcook. Drain, mix with 2 cups sauce.
In large bowl beat together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan and eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray large pan or casserole dish (larger than 13 x 9, with 2" sides). Spread enough sauce to cover bottom of pan. Spread layer of cooked ziti. Top with a layer of ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat layers - sauce, ziti, and ricotta. Spread a layer of sauce on the top, sprking with parmesan cheese. Tightly cover with saran wrap AND foil, sealing on all sides. Bake in oven for approximately 30 minutes, then remove saran and foil. Cover top with shredded mozzarella and return to oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden, and sides begin to bubble. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
2 lbs. Ziti
Spaghetti Sauce (4 quarts homemade, or favorite brand)
Ricotta Cheese (4 lbs.)
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1 and 1/2 Cups, plus more for top)
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)
4 eggs
Salt and pepper
Prepare sauce, if using homemade. Prepare ziti according to package directions, being careful not to overcook. Drain, mix with 2 cups sauce.
In large bowl beat together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan and eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray large pan or casserole dish (larger than 13 x 9, with 2" sides). Spread enough sauce to cover bottom of pan. Spread layer of cooked ziti. Top with a layer of ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat layers - sauce, ziti, and ricotta. Spread a layer of sauce on the top, sprking with parmesan cheese. Tightly cover with saran wrap AND foil, sealing on all sides. Bake in oven for approximately 30 minutes, then remove saran and foil. Cover top with shredded mozzarella and return to oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden, and sides begin to bubble. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
I don't know why you don't just admit that I'm your favorite.
ReplyDelete