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Yule Log Cake

  Ingredients For the Sponge Cake: 4 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for egg whites) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt For the Filling: 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled 2 tbsp powdered sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting: 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1 tsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine) For Decoration (Optional): Powdered sugar (for "snow") Chocolate shavings, berries, or sprigs of rosemary (for a festive touch) Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch (25x38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Whip the Egg Yolks : In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale y...
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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti – Cheesy, Baked Pasta with Ground Beef or Sausage

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (your choice)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish



Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

    • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the diced onions and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
    • Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    • Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    • Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (optional), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

    • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, and the egg (optional). Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Assemble the Ziti:

    • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture.
    • Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta and repeat the layers.
    • Finish with a layer of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

  6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

  7. Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Enjoy your cheesy, comforting Baked Ziti!

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