Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta

Oh heavens this is so yummy.  Thank you, Sisters Cafe, for the idea.  It is a perfect way to use the tomatoes on my extremely overactive cherry tomato plant.  Good chance we’ll be eating this once a week until the tomatoes are done.
2 cups, firm tomatoes, diced
1 Tb fresh chopped basil or 1 tsp dried [...]

Mexican Noodle Casserole

I tried this recipe mostly because 1) I was curious, but didn’t think it could be good (who puts noodles in Mexican food?), and 2) if it turned out half way decent, it was going to be a great food storage recipe.   The flavor turned out to be really good, the kids loved it, but [...]

Baked Ziti

You will tell from the recipe that it’s so important to follow the ingredient list exactly.  Yeah, not.  Ziti is awesome.   Throw a bunch of stuff in a pan and cook it until the cheese is melted and everything’s warm.  Perfect for winter, taking to friends, and freezing (freeze before baking for best results).
Cooked ziti [...]

Chicken Spaghetti

When I first saw this recipe I thought it looked really unappetizing.  Now it’s a comfort food favorite at our house.
6 oz cooked chicken
3 c cooked spaghetti (4.5 oz dry)
4 oz Velveeta
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ c chopped onions
½ c chopped bell pepper
Saute onion and bell pepper in pan coated with spray until tender.  [...]

Baked Couscous Casserole with Summer Squash and Herbs

This is a great casserole for the summer time because it takes advantage of the summer veggies, but also because it can be assembled in advance and cooked at the last minute, plus it is healthy.  I always add shredded carrot and use some green squash too (for color…otherwise it is pretty much the same [...]

Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Tarragon

Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Tarragon
2 lbs beefsteak or plum tomatoes, cored
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
½ c finely chopped shallots
3/4 lb spaghetti
1 T coarsely chopped fresh tarragon or basil
½ c grated Parmesan cheese
While water for pasta boils,, halve tomatoes lengthwise.  Squeeze gently to remove seeds.  Chop tomatoes into ½” pieces.  Set aside.  Heat oil over [...]