An Excuse and a Recipe

Hello!  It has been awhile since my last post because unfortunately, after coming home from Washington DC, I contracted something like the Bubonic plague and it has taken its toll on me over the last month or so.  I actually dropped off a heart monitor this morning that has been one of my latest fashion accessories. Did you know those things make you itch?  I assure you, I almost scratched myself crazy.

On top of all of that, we have two of our grown kids and their families (and dogs) living with us right now for various reasons, so that makes for a less-than-quiet writing environment.

If that wasn't enough, I am trying to complete a Bible study for Law Enforcement Wives that has been on the burner for over nine years.  Yes, you read that right...nine years.  I am almost finished, though. :)

I am also needing to work on the ten devotions for LifeWay due in June, and I have to get ready for a conference in March.  However, in the midst of all of this, I have a new bedroom suite coming on Monday and I still haven't found the right comforter.

Sigh.


So what do you do when the stress factors are piling up and you can seem to get ahead?  Well, since I can't hear your answers, I'll tell you what helps me...

I eat.

Yeah, I know, prayer should be the first answer, and it is, but I also like to eat.  So last evening, I cooked mostaccioli.  Yum, yum!!  And, I figured I'd share my recipe with you.  Try it!  It definitely helps with the stress levels. :)

Baked Mostaccioli

Like ziti but not.

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour approximately

Ingredients:

2 pounds Ground Beef {chuck, round or sirloin... it doesn't really matter}
1 whole White Onion, diced small
4-5 cloves Fresh Garlic, smashed, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon dried Basil
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 pinches Italian Seasoning
1 pinch Sugar
1 {28 ounce} can of Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese {divided}
8 ounces {or half a box} of Pene Lisce {mostaccioli noodles}
3 cups grated Mozzarella {do not use bagged cheese!}
Sliced Mushrooms {optional}
Minced Parsley for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot or dutch oven; cook the ground beef, onions and garlic until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.
Measure and add in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and stir.
Pour in the tomato sauce and add to that the Parmesan cheese, the sugar, salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir, cover and reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat your oven to 325 and bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it's boiling, add in the 8 ounces {half a box} of pasta and cook for half of the time as directed on the package.
Drain and combine the pasta with the sauce.
In an 8x11 baking dish; layer half of the meat/sauce mixture. Top with half of the shredded Mozzarella and then repeat with the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle half of the remaining Parmesan, then the remaining Mozzarella and then sprinkle the last of the Parmesan over the entire baking dish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve warm with more shaved Parmesan and mince fresh parsley.

 
Courtesy of: http://www.simplyscratch.com/2013/10/baked-mostaccioli.html



Well that was super random, but at least you ended up with a great recipe!

Enjoy!  Will be praying your stress levels and mine resolve quickly.


P.S.  Here is a scripture so that I sound somewhat spiritual. :)

Until next time,
Kristi