Recipe(tried): Florentine Baked Ziti Dinner

Good Morning to All!

This evening we will enjoy a Florentine Ziti, Insalata Verdi and Orange Iced Tea.

Enjoy!!

Florentine Baked Ziti
serves 8

12 oz. ziti
1 lb. ground sirloin
28 oz. jar Classico de Sienna Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic Sauce
1 bag 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, dehydrated and chopped
1 large can 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
16 oz. ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 T. fresh oregano, chopped
1/4 c. fresh chopped parsley
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 t. fresh basil, chopped
1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
1 med. onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 bag spinach, washed, drained , cut up
4 T. olive oil
1/2 c.Parmesan cheese

Oven at 350.

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

In a large skillet, brown beef, drain. Blend with sauce and crushed tomatoes in a pot and simmer. In a skillet heat the oil, saute onions and garlic til light golden. Add the pepper flakes, basil, oregano & sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in the spinach letting it wilt a bit before adding all to the sauce. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, the egg and parsley. 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.

Insalata Verdi

Mixed greens
sliced red and green peppers
cucumbers
parmesan cheese, to sprinkle on
1 tomato cut up
handful cut up olives
handful cubed mozzarella cheese
handful croutons
Oil and Vinegar Vinaigrette Dressing

Orange Iced Tea
Makes 12 drinks

3 large tea bags
6 cups boiling water
3 cups orange juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
21 oz. club soda
6 Tbsp. lemon juice

Add tea bags to 6 cups boiling water. Allow to steep for 30 minutes. Discard tea bags.

Pour tea and remaining ingredients into a large pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve.