Stress

{Day 2}

-Something that stresses you out-

Something that USED to really stress me out was dinner. I love to cook, and having a home cooked meal every night and eating together as a family was a big deal in my house growing up. It wasn't uncommon for me to spend 2 hours or more making dinner for Seth and I each night when we were first married. That all quickly changed when B came along. All the sudden this little person wanted a little bit of attention while I would try to cook. So. I've been on a quest to find simple, delicious, quick, and at least semi-healthy recipes so that I can enjoy my tiny girl and put something on the table at the same time. I just discovered this Baked Ziti recipe that I'm now going to share with you! Lucky day! I didn't know what baked ziti was until about 2 weeks ago when we ate it ate our neighbors house. I was impressed and searched out a recipe. Here it is.

BAKED ZITI

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

¼ teaspoon sugar

1 pound ziti

8 oz mozzarella, shredded (2 cups)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or grated Parmesan/Romano cheese mix)

salt

Directions:

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position, heat oven to 400. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot for the ziti

Meanwhile, cook 1 tablespoon oil and the garlic in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in the basil, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.

When the water is boiling, stir in 1 tablespoon salt and the ziti. Cook, stirring often, until the ziti is almost tender.

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the ziti and return it to the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce and toss to coat.

Spread half the ziti in an oiled 13x9 pan. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Spread the remaining ziti and sprinkle with remaining cheeses. (you can add as much cheese as you want both times).

Bake until cheeses turn golden brown (about 20 min), and take out of the oven.

Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve!

OH, you'd like some breadsticks too? Ones that don't take several hours to make? Ok.

QUICK BREADSTICKS

1 cup warm water

3 T brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup oil

3 cups flour

2 1/2 tsp yeast

Directions: Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add remaining ingredients. Knead slightly, adding more flour if too sticky. On floured surface, roll out to a 10X12 rectangle and let rise for at least 20 minutes. Cut into strips using a pizza cutter and place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes until lightly brown.

Brush with melted butter or olive oil mixed with minced garlic and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

AND you want a yummy salad?

Grab a bag of baby spinach, an avocado, some feta cheese and italian dressing. Slice up the avocado and combine all ingredients. Go light on the dressing, a little goes a long way.