Ah, such a nostalgic 70′s dish. Use a large spoon to scoop up a serving and eat alongside garlic bread and a green, crunchy salad. 1 box ziti pasta 1-1/2 lb. ground beef 2 jars marinara sauce (I use Paul Newmann’s) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 medium-sized bag shredded mozzarella Preheat oven to 350 [...]

I try to come up ways to use those baby spinach bags I buy from the produce section, and this worked out quite well. It’s a great way to get your spinach. You do need a food processor or blender for this. 3 cups fresh baby spinach, stems removed 2 cups fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley [...]

This is straightforward and very adaptable to any other veggies you may wish to add. Reminder: tomatoes & cucumbers don’t adapt well in a salad that is kept stored – they get mushy. Serve them on the side or add them at the last minute before serving. 1 lb. box of elbow or small shell [...]

Serve this alongside something with a good “kick” to it, such as roasted sausages & peppers. Or, it works well as a lighter meal with salad. The poppy seeds add a wonderful crunch and oh so delicious taste. 1lb. box farfalle (bow tie) noodles 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin, if you can) 3+ (to [...]

Quite an indulgence, perhaps not for those counting calories. Always remember, moderation is key so enjoy good food with good people and good conversation whenever you can! 1 box fettuccine noodles 1 1/4 sticks butter, softened (don’t use margarine) 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 1-2 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 tsp. [...]

Easy, quick & delicious. Serve alongside anything or just have some crusty bread. Yum! 1 lb. cooked pasta – you pick 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 medium sized fresh tomatoes, chopped/diced 4 Tbsp. minced garlic – or more to taste 1/2 cup or more to taste grated Parmesan or Romano – you pick [...]

These noodles taste much better than the ones from a take-out, plus they’re easy to make – you can really add what you want – kind of a “clean out the fridge.” An added bonus is it improves with age so the next day it’s even better. I’ve actually taken the bowl out and just [...]

These are strange, tiny pasta dots. Either use the plain original couscous, or use a flavored one. Your couscous, your choice. 1 box of prepared couscous 1/2 small can chickpeas, drained 1 small jar roasted red peppers or pimentos, drained 1 small can black olives, drained 1/2 cup green olives, drained 1/2 cup of crumbled [...]

Stir, pour, bake – that’s just about it. 1 lb. cooked small pasta (for the picture is used Barilla small bow-ties) 1 stick butter – NOT margarine 2 cups half-n-half 3 large eggs 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 lbs. shredded sharp cheddar (I used white) 1/2 cup grated pecorino Romano [...]

Make your own Manicotti or buy the best you can find (fresh or frozen) then prepare this sauce to ladle over. It can be made in less than an hour. Mmmmm. 2 28-oz. cans Italian crushed tomatoes with basil (I use San Marzano) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 oz. fatback or salt pork [...]