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BAKED ZITI

June 30, 2010 By JJ

I know it’s pretty lame to post a recipe without images of the cooking process…at least that’s what I believe now that I’m a disciple of the Pioneer Woman. Having said that, I made the most delicious (and low fat) baked ziti on Monday night and in spite of the fact that I don’t have pics, I HAD to share it!

According to WW, this meal is a 5 pointer. It took less than an hour to prepare and make and I was shocked that while there was no fancy sauce in it, the flavor ROCKED!!! My family and I dominated this dish and there wasn’t an ounce to take to work on Tuesday for leftovers!!!

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz uncooked ziti (I used rigatoni)
2 tsp olive oil
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1/3 pound(s) raw lean ground beef
1 tsp dried oregano (I used fresh)
1 tsp dried thyme (I used fresh)
1 tsp dried rosemary (I used fresh)
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup(s) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 3 to 5 minutes; drain off any fat and set pan back over medium heat.

Add oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; stir to coat beef. Cook until herbs become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Spoon a small amount of beef-tomato mixture into bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish (just enough to cover surface); top with half of cooked ziti. Next, layer with half of remaining beef-tomato sauce and half of mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining ziti and then top with remaining beef-tomato sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Filed in Category Kitchen Confidential 4 Leave a comment

BABY SIGNING

June 29, 2010 By JJ

I’m not an expert on anything baby-related, but I do play one on tv. Humor, folks.

Being that I’m not a mom, I rarely weigh in on parenting things. Sure, I may ask questions, develop opinions based upon what my friends and family do, and occasionally read things that make me go hmmmm. I tell myself that when it comes to childbirth, I’m ALL about the epidural, even though I have friends who tell me they didn’t work for them, that they’ll destroy my back, or that the female body was made for labor and that I could do it if I tried. I’ve decided on the epidural because I’m likely to have a giant bowling ball of a child if history repeats itself. That is an example of a decision based on theory…like most of my opinions about what it will be like to have and raise a child.

However, I am totally CONVINCED, based upon the proof of my niece and nephew, that baby signing is the WAY TO GO! My niece is now three years old and her verbal skills are amazing. I can remember a trip to Hawaii two years ago when she wasn’t speaking or walking, yet, but was signing full sentences like “let’s go play in the water.” It wasn’t long after that when she began talking up a storm. It’s like she verbally went straight from crawling to running. We all watched the Baby Signing Time DVDs together and I was stunned by how much she really absorbed. She also had parents, specifically her mommy, who reinforced the signs and helped her to use her “words” when she needed something.

Fast forward to this past week. My brother and SIL have been in town for a visit with the kiddos. I’ve been in heaven spending time with them. My niece refers to me as Auntie Awesome and the most adorable sing-song voice. I love talking with her and snuggling and telling stories. And now my nephew is getting old enough to know who I am. He has his baby jibberish and loves to sing. He also says mama and dadda and doggy. Hearing him is precious! But this little kiddo stole my heart when he looked at me and signed “auntie.”

These precious monkeys are the reason I’m convinced that signing is the way to go. I’ve learned that their little minds are so smart and so ready to communicate…because really, who wouldn’t want to start talking with the most amazing little child they’ve ever loved? When I have my own babies someday, I can’t imagine the joy of hearing my child say mommy…but I’m sure the sign will be just as spectacular!

What are your thoughts on baby signing? Do you use it with your munchkins?

Filed in Category BLAHger’s Rants ‘n Raves 3 Leave a comment

SLEEPING IN THE BED I’VE MADE

June 28, 2010 By JJ

I grew up as a bed-making slacker. Seriously, I only ever made my bed when my mom forced me to or when company was coming over. And I’m pretty sure the only time I made my bed in college was during RUSH or parents’ weekend. As an adult, my bed-making improved slightly, but only just.

However, about a year ago, after fluffernutting my bedroom with new linens and accessories, I made more of an effort. Then, during Thanksgiving of last year, we stayed in a hotel and I realized something…I really liked the tucked comforter-style of making the bed that the Palm Springs resort boasted. So I gave it a try. Now, I’m a bed-making aficionado.

Back in the day, bed making had more steps. There was the fold for the pillows that I never quite mastered as a kid, then the early 20s style of throwing a bazillion pillows up on top to disguise the slacker housekeeper in me. But now, I can honestly say, that I like the look of my made bed. And when I crawl in bed at night, with the comforter and sheets all tight around me, I feel like I’ve been tucked in by mom, like I was a child. I sleep better in a made bed, and it just feels cozy. I’m glad I’m all grown up now and yet, cling to memories of childhood as I drift off to sleep.

Plus, my bedroom just looks WAY cooler now. ; )

How do YOU make your bed?

Filed in Category DIY Diva 5 Leave a comment
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