Baked Ziti

Since my husband really isn't big on Turkey, baked Ziti has become another major part of my Thanksgiving Menu. When I make Baked Ziti I go very heavy on the cheeses - to me the Ricotta is the most important part - there must be plenty of it for it to be a good Baked Ziti.

My Baked Ziti
Ingredients
3 (16oz each) packages of Ziti or Mostaccioli

3 (32oz each) containers Ricotta (Polly O Brand if possible, its the best)
3 pounds mozzarella, shredded & divided (1 pound to mix in, 2 pounds sprinkle on top)
3-4 (24oz) jars pasta sauce (I prefer Francesco Rinaldi Brand Original Traditional)


Directions:
Preheat oven to 375F

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, return to pot.

Add both containers of ricotta to pasta and mix until well incorporated. Then Add sauce, I usually add a jar and a half of sauce for 3 pounds of pasta, but it all depends on your preference. Mix well, then add in 1 pound of shredded mozzarella, mix well.

Carefully pour pasta mixture into 2 rectangular bakes (9inch by 13 inch). Cover with shredded mozzarella, then using a spoon, drizzle more sauce on top.

Bake at 375F for 30-35 minutes until hot & cheese is completely melted.


White Sauced Baked Ziti
Not everyone in my family likes tomato sauce so often I will make a white sauce instead for one of the two trays of ziti. To make it, follow the same directions as above, but instead of the 4 jars of pasta sauce, replace with my White Sauce recipe below:

Ingredients for Sauce
1 stick salted butter (do not use margarine)
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
4-5 cups milk
Salt & Pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic Directions
In a 3 quart saucepan, melt butter on medium flame. Once butter is completely melted, mix in flour until well incorporated. Add a cup of milk to the mixture and using a wire whisk, constantly whisk until there's no clumps. Allow mixture to thicken (1 or 2 minutes), then add another cup of milk, again constantly whisking, allow to thicken again, add another cup of milk and repeat until all milk is mixed in, then continue heating on medium low to allow sauce to thicken a little. Add Salt & Pepper to taste, if desired sprinkle in a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.