Classic Cheesy Baked Ziti

Classic Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta (or any other short pasta shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cheesy baked ziti!

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weekend family dinner. You can also add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for extra flavor if desired. 

Fruity Yogurt Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mango), thinly sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup granola or crushed cereal (optional, for added texture)
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional, for extra indulgence)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yogurt Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup (if using) and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste.

2. Line a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

3. Spread the Yogurt Mixture: Pour the yogurt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Add Fruit and Toppings: Arrange the thinly sliced or chopped fresh fruits on top of the yogurt mixture. Scatter granola or crushed cereal over the fruits for added texture. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.

5. Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the yogurt bark is completely frozen and firm.

6. Break into Pieces: Once frozen, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to gently break the yogurt bark into bite-sized pieces or irregular shards.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the fruity yogurt bark pieces to a serving plate or platter. Serve immediately as a refreshing and nutritious dessert or snack option.

Notes:

• Feel free to get creative with the fruits and toppings based on what's in season or available. You can also add shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for additional flavor and texture.
• Store any leftover yogurt bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. Enjoy straight from the freezer as a cool and satisfying treat.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Muffins with Hidden Veggies

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Muffins with Hidden Veggies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed finely chopped vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and spinach work well)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or muffin liners

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin liners.

2. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, chopped vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.

5. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese muffins are set and golden brown on top.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm as a delicious and portable meal or snack option.

Notes:

• These macaroni and cheese muffins are a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters.
• You can customize the recipe by adding different types of cheese or additional seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Ramen Noodle Hot Dog Stir-Fry

 

Ramen Noodle Hot Dog Stir-Fry Recipe Is a Family Favorite!!!

Ingredients:

• 2 packs of ramen noodles (any flavor)
• 4 hot dogs, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage), chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ramen Noodles:

   • Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.

2. Cook Hot Dogs:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown.

3. Sauté Vegetables:

   • Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the hot dogs. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
   • Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the hot dogs and vegetables.

5. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture in the skillet.

6. Season and Finish:

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the noodles have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your unique ramen noodle hot dog stir-fry!

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, peas, or corn for additional flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust the sauce according to your taste preferences, adding more or less ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as desired.