Thursday’s Supper and Family Time

Now I know this might sound crazy, even for me, but there are certain words I just like to say. It’s not so much because of their meaning – faith, hope, love – all beautiful words. It’s more just the feel of the word as it leaves my lips.

There is an unincorporated community in Northern California called Zamora. Once a thriving community with stores, schools, churches and a town hall, it’s been reduced to a sign along Interstate 5. And yet with the resurgence in rural living, it has managed to hang on. I love the name – Zamora. It’s sounds so far off and enchanting.

Thanks in part to the popularity of the TV series The Chosen, I learned a Jewish word that also felt good to say aloud – Shabbat. The entire idea behind this Jewish custom is so beautiful. A a Jew, Shabbat would have been something our Lord observed. From my own perspective, I truly admire the woman’s role in preparing for Shabbat. And I love to say the word.

Ziti is another of those words I like. Unlike Shabbat, with it’s deeply religious meaning or Zamora, a whisper of a hamlet, Ziti just sounds fun. In actuality, Ziti is a short, slender tubular pasta that originated in Sicily during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the word “Zita” or bride. You would think as much as I like to say Ziti, it would be a pasta we keep on hand. Yet when I want to cook with Ziti, chances are I’ll first need to buy some.

Oh but just look at this beautiful dish! Don’t let the idea of all these cheeses and sour cream scare you. It’s oh so silky and creamy – wow!

Sicilian Inspired Ziti Bake
8 oz dry Ziti Pasta
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 lb Italian Sausage
2 tablespoons Flour
1 (26 oz) jar favorite Pasta Sauce
Spicy Italian Seasoning to taste
4 sliced Provolone Cheese
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1 shredded Italian Cheese Blend
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Heat oven to 350-degrees. Butter a casserole dish, set aside.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 12 minutes; drain.

Cut onion in half from tip to root. Reserve half for another purpose. Mince remaining half.

In a large skillet, brown onion and Italian Sausage over medium heat. Once browned, sprinkle with flour and continue to cook another few minutes. (The flour will thicken the sauce while absorbing the wonderful flavors). Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.

In the prepared casserole dish layer the Ziti Bake as follows: Half of the ziti, sliced Provolone cheese, sour cream, half of Italian Sausage Sauce, remaining ziti, scattering of Italian Cheese Blend and remaining sauce mixture. Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes in the heated oven, or until cheeses are melted and bubbling.

Delicious served with a simple salad and the company of those you love.

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Draw your strength from the Lord
And from His mighty power.
Put on the armor of God
So that you may stand firm
Against the tactics of the Devil