Baked Spaghetti

Sorry for the hiatus – I got smacked upside the head by life and it took a while to recover all my marbles.

A twist on the traditional and one that will have you screaming “More! More! More!”  ‘Nuff said.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Spaghetti
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 – 26oz. jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 Cup grated Parmesan
• 5 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• 2 Cups Ricotta Cheese
• 4 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ Teaspoon Seasoned Salt

Preparation:

            Start by cooking the Spaghetti according to package directions.  Meanwhile, cook the Beef and Onion in large skillet until nice and browned.  Drain and add the Spaghetti Sauce, Seasoning Salt and set aside.

            Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the Eggs, Parmesan and Butter.  Add the drained Spaghetti to the bowl and toss to coat.

            Take half of the Spaghetti mixture and place along the bottom of a greased 13-in x 9-in baking dish.  Top with half of the Ricotta Cheese, half the Meat Sauce and half of the Mozzarella Cheese.  

           Repeat the layers.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Uncover and finish baking for another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

            This dish needs no further rationalization.  One bite and you’ll be smitten.  You're welcome.  

Jenn's Chicken Parmesano Supreme and Classic Asparagus Saute

Jenn’s Chicken Parmesano Supreme

I love the idea of taking a traditional recipe and tweaking it just a little to give a jaded meal a new, interesting kick.  I found this recipe online and just had to try it.  I was not disappointed and you won’t be either…

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless Chicken Breasts – lightly pounded to an even thickness
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose Flour
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 1 Cup of Breadcrumbs
• ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 ½ Cups Spaghetti Sauce*
• 4 Tablespoons Caesar Salad Dressing
• 1 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese*
• ½ grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Source: www.allrecipes.com

* I used a little more Spaghetti Sauce, probably closer to 2 Cups.  I also upped the amount of Mozzarella Cheese to 2 Cups.

Preparation:

            First preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Season the Chicken with Salt and Pepper.  Dredge each piece of Chicken in the Flour, and then dip in the beaten Egg, and lastly coat with the Breadcrumbs.  Make sure each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.

            Heat the Vegetable Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Cook the Chicken about 3-5 minutes, until it’s no longer pink on the inside. Remove from heat.

            Pour half of the Spaghetti Sauce in a glass baking dish.  Lay the Chicken pieces on the sauce.  Add the remaining Sauce over all the Chicken pieces.  Spread one Tablespoon of the Caesar Dressing to each Chicken piece.  Sprinkle the entire dish with the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses.

            Bake the dish for approximately 15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.

            This dish is hearty, filling and the Caesar dressing gives it a delicious added dimension.  I served this with spaghetti and loved every minute of it!

Classic Asparagus Saute

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh Asparagus – about 1 Pound
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon minced Garlic
• 3 Tablespoons Parmesan
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Preparation:

            First, rinse the Asparagus and pat dry.  Cut off the rough ends.  Next heat the Olive Oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the minced Garlic and the Asparagus.  Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Remove from the heat and sprinkle the spears with Parmesan and Salt and Pepper before serving.  Simple, classic and oh-so-yummy!!