Pasta Al Forno

This recipe blew me away!  I made it on a night when Brad was out of town and my expectations were probably a little low.  So. Good.


Pasta Al Forno
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 (14.5 oz.) cans Italian diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt, pepper, and sugar
1 lb. pasta, tubes
8 oz. mozzarella, cubed into very small pieces
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Heat oil in large skillet to medium heat.  Add garlic and cook for about a minute. Pour in tomatoes and seasonings and simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit.  Cook pasta according to package directions.  Stir into tomato sauce.  Place half the noodles in a greased 9x13.  Layer with half the mozzarella cheese and half the Parmesan cheese.  Repeat layers.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

**I only made half this recipe for the kids and I since Brad was out of town. It was sooooo easy and soooooo good. It will definitely be a staple in our dinner repertoire!

Adapted from ANNIE'S EATS

Family Rating:
Brad: Out of Town, but he'd probably give it ***
Jordan: *****
Eli: *****
Phoebe: *****
Overall Family Rating: 18/20

Tomato Basil Soup (aka La Madeline Copycat)

La Madeline is one of my very favorite restaurants.  We'd be in serious trouble if I lived near one!  We don't so this soup serves as a nice substitute. 


Tomato Basil Soup
2 large cans whole tomatoes (I used Hunts because there is a difference in canned tomatoes!)
2 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper
about 1 teaspoon (or more) sugar
1 cup heavy cream (next time I might use half and half)
1 stick of butter
fresh basil (two big tubs from Wal-Mart)

Combine the canned tomatoes, juice, stock, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large stockpot and simmer for a good 30 minutes. Add your basil.  Using your food processor or a potato masher or an emulsion blender (this is what I used), blend the soup to desired consistency. (Mine was pretty blended because Eli doesn't like chunks in his soup.) Taste and adjust seasoning. (I added more salt and sugar at this point.) Add the butter and let melt. Remove from heat just before serving and stir in heavy cream. 



Adapted from COPYKAT RECIPES


Family Rating: 
Brad: *****
Jordan: *****
Eli: *****
Phoebe: *****
Overall Family Rating: 20/20