Baked Ziti

I realize that many of the great recipes I discover are from my fellow food bloggers. I have a folder that sits on top of my desk that is bulging with recipes that I want to experience. This recipe I found at  Fig Tree Appetizers www.figtreeapps.blogspot.com. I think what really sets this baked ziti apart is the basciamella sauce. A blend of butter, milk, flour and nutmeg. These ingredients when blended together produce a rich white sauce that is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes.

Baked Ziti
Recipe fom: Mario Batali
Recipe discovered on Fig Tree Appetizers

Ingredients:

1 lb ziti , cooked al dente, drain and rinse under cool water

2 cups tomato sauce(note: If you use jarred pasta sauce, use high-quality)

2 cups besciamella (directions below)

1 lb. fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Basciamella Sauce

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

3 cups whole milk

1-2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Directions:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the flour, stirring till light golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add milk to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking constantly. Cook till thickened, about 10 minutes, remove from heat. Season with salt and nutmeg, let cool.

Place drained cooked ziti in a large bowl. Add the tomato sauce, basciamella, mozzarella and Parmigiano to the ziti. Mix and stir well. Divide pasta into gratin dishes or a 9x13 baking dish. bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!