Jess @ Being Mrs. Beer {Guest Post}

Hi Never the Same Spice Twice readers!  My name is Jess, and I blog over at Being Mrs. Beer.  I'm so excited to be guest posting for Stephanie while she's soaking up baby cuddles - Ella is too cute and that newborn phase goes by way too fast!  One of the best things my friends and family did for me when my daughter Abbie was born was bring me food...so I like to do the same for other moms.  My favorite thing to bring?  Baked ziti.  It travels and freezes well, and reheats beautifully - plus it's delicious and so easy!  I wish I could mail some to Stephanie, but I doubt it would mail well, so we'll have to settle for the recipe.  Enjoy!

Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef/turkey/chicken (you can leave this out if you are a vegetarian)
• Jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• 15 oz. container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp onion powder (or more, to taste)
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder (or more, to taste)
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley (or more, to taste)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Cook ziti according to package directions. In a separate frying pan, brown ground beef in pan and drain off grease.
2. Combine ziti, cooked ground beef, 2/3 can tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, 2/3 package mozzarella cheese, a handful of parmesan cheese, some onion and garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Pour mixture into 13x9 in. baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and spread evenly. Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.

When I make this for new moms, I like to divide it into smaller portions.  I made this for my friend Erin last week.  Since it's just her and her husband (and their new baby Henry), I decided to divide it into three smaller disposable oblong containers.  It was enough for each of them to have for dinner, plus stick two in the freezer for later.  I wrote the directions on top so they'd be ready to go.

Make this for the new moms in your life...or just yourself.  You'll be glad you did.

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It's a special day!

Make sure you stop by Jess's page and wish her a VERY Happy Birthday today!!!!!

Thanks so much for guest posting lady!

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