Hello Friends,

It is still chilly here in Central Florida and I am enjoying the weather. Tonight calls for Baked Ziti, Feta and Tomato Salad, Garlic Bread and a Banana Cream Cheese Tart. Enjoy!!

Baked Ziti

serves 8

3 c. uncooked ziti
1 lb. ground beef
28 oz. jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
16 oz. ricotta cheese
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 t. dried basil
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
1 med. onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bag spinach, washed, drained , cut up
4 T. olive oil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
Parmesan cheese

Oven at 350.

Cook pasta accord. to dir. and drain. Set aside.

In a large skillet, brown beef, drain. Blend with sauce in a pot and simmer. Meanwhile, in another skillet, saute onions and garlic til light golden. Stir in the spinach let wilt a bit before adding all to the sauce. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella and seasonings. Toss pasta with sauce. Spoon 1/2 pasta into 13x9x2 pan, spread all of cheese mixture over and top with remaining pasta. Cover with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle parmesan cheese over. Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 mts. Uncover and bake for another 5 mts.

Feta and Tomato Salad

1 garlic clove mashed to a paste

Add: 1/2 t. salt
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1-2 T. olive oil
ground black pepper to taste
Blend well.

Add: 1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
2 oz. feta, crumbled
8 scallions, chopped
1/4 c. gresh parsley, chopped
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

Banana Cream Cheese Pie

1 9" graham cracker crumb crust or baked pastry shell
1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 can condensed milk
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 t. vanilla
4 med. bananas
In a large mix bowl, beat cheese til fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk til smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Slice 2 bananas and dip in lemon juice, drain and line crust. Pour filling over bananas and cover. Chill for 3 hours or until set. Before serving, slice remaining bananas, dip in lemon juice drain and garnish pie. Refrigerate leftovers.