Keeping Busy... Not

Well, I never thought that this would happen, but not only have I been caught up at work for over a week, I am wandering around looking for things to do. Not obviously, of course, or I might get assigned something I don't like :) Even the fishtank is clean.

Same old same old in crafting land - making progress on the sweater. Tonight my sock class is cancelled so I am going to take a little time to weave before checking in the yoga class tonight. I tweaked my neck at some point this week, so I don't think I will stay. I think I will take a bubble bath and / or put the heating pad on my shoulder.

I made ziti again last night. Here is my quick and easy, no fuss ziti recipe. I stole it off a cooking show and modified a bit. If it is easy enough for me to make, anybody can make it!

1 bag ziti (16 oz)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (25 oz)
1 hunk mozzarella cheese (8-16 oz)
ground beef (1/2 lb)

Make the meatballs - put the ground beef into a bowl and add salt, garlic, onion powder, pepper, oregano, or anything you prefer. Mash together well. Pinch off little bits of meat and roll into balls. I like them to be about the size of a marble. In a skillet, heat some oil and fry the little meatballs. Drain on paper towels.

Make the ziti - in a large pan heat water and add ziti when it starts to boil. Reduce to a simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, and drain when the zitis are al dente (or really soft, if you prefer)

Cut the cheese into slices and set aside. The first time I made it, I used 8oz and it was not quite enough. Last night I used 16 oz and couldn't use it all. I think 12 oz is the magic number. I cut it in hunks the other time and did not get total cheese coverage. Slices was better.

In an oven safe casserole, layer the ingredients (sauce, ziti, meatballs, cheese) until they are all in the dish or you run out of room. Put in the oven at 350 ish for 30 minutes or so until the top is nice and brown.

Pour a nice glass of merlot and enjoy!