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Foodie Fun: |
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Weekly Recipes For Your Enjoyment!!
Baked Ziti:
An All-Time Favorite!
Preview To Recipe
Baked ziti is without question one of the most beloved Italian dishes. It is easy to make and tastes delightful! Close your eyes and envision a dish of baked ziti as it comes out of the oven - red sauce and penne pasta covered with a layer of golden mozzarella cheese. That is a thought that awakens most everyone’s taste buds in anticipation of a delightful dish! Baked ziti is one of the most complete comfort foods - it comforts the mind, taste buds, and stomach!
The following Foodie Fun recipe will elevate your baked ziti experience! The use of choice herbs blended with fine tomatoes and tomato paste provide for a sauce that sets the stage for your al dente cooked pasta which is covered with mozzarella cheese. This week treat yourself and your family to a baked ziti dinner! Be sure to make enough for "leftovers"! Buon Appetito!
Baked Ziti
(When possible try to use organic ingredients.)
Sauce Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
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1 medium red onion chopped
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3 cloves of chopped garlic
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½ teaspoon of dried ground oregano
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½ teaspoon of dried ground basil
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½ teaspoon of dried ground parsley
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½ teaspoon of of minced onion |
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½ teaspoon of powdered garlic |
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1 pkg. of white mushrooms sliced thick |
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1 pkg. of ground turkey |
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1 large can of plum tomatoes |
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1 large can of crushed tomatoes |
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1 small can of tomato paste |
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1 large can of diced tomatoes |
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Add 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil to a large deep pot or a large sauce pan.
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Sauté the ground turkey in olive oil until cooked.
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Remove cooked ground turkey from pan and put aside.
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In the cooked turkey drippings, add the chopped onion and sliced white mushrooms.
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Sauté until the onions are slightly translucent and the mushrooms start to turn light brown in color.
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Add the chopped garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
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Add tomato paste and stir in pot until the tomato paste slightly darkens in color (about 3 minutes). |
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Add the plum tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, small can of tomato paste, and 1 large can of diced tomatoes. (At this point if you like thick sauce omit the diced tomatoes. If, however, you like thinner sauce add the diced tomatoes with the juice.) |
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Add the ground oregano, basil, parsley, onion, and garlic powder. |
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Add the cooked ground turkey meat and stir well. |
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Let the sauce gently simmer for 45 minutes with cover slightly ajar (open). |
Directions For Cooking The Pasta:
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1 pound of penne pasta (whole wheat)
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.
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For al dente pasta, cook the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the directions on the pasta bag or box.
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6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
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4 cups of sauce (see above recipe)
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Directions For Cooking the Baked Ziti:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
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Drain the cooked penne pasta.
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Use an 8" x 12" oven proof baking dish.
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Pour sauce to coat the bottom of the dish.
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Place a layer of the penne pasta on top of the sauce.
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Pour more sauce on top of the layer of penne pasta.
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Spread shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta and the sauce. |
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Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese on top starts to turn a slightly golden color. |
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Take hot baking dish out of the oven and let the dish set for a couple of minutes. |
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Dig in and enjoy!! |
