Midweek in November calls for a little of everything. Some nights you want a big, cheesy dinner that feeds the whole family, some nights you want something lighter, and almost every night you want a little something sweet. This lineup covers all three: a classic meaty baked ziti, a creamy tomato basil soup, and a batch of chewy oatmeal raisin cookies.
The Full Meal: Classic Baked Ziti
Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate make-everyone-happy dinner. Onion and garlic soften in olive oil before ground beef browns in the same skillet, then crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil simmer into a rich meat sauce. Tender ziti gets layered with that sauce, a creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and egg, and two layers of melted mozzarella. It bakes covered until hot through, then uncovered until bubbling and golden at the edges. Pull the pasta a couple of minutes before it hits al dente, since it keeps cooking in the oven, and let the dish rest ten minutes so every slice holds together. It serves six, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
The Light Meal: Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is simple comfort in about thirty minutes. Onion and garlic soften in olive oil, then crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth simmer before everything gets blended smooth. A splash of heavy cream and a handful of fresh basil go in at the end for a silky, fragrant finish. It's vegetarian and perfect for a lighter dinner or lunch, and a grilled cheese on the side turns it into a classic pairing. For a thicker soup, start with a little less broth, and a pinch of sugar helps balance the tomatoes if they taste sharp.
Something Sweet: Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the old-fashioned cookie jar favorite. Butter and two kinds of sugar cream together with an egg and vanilla, then flour, cinnamon, and a generous three cups of rolled oats come together with plump raisins. Scoop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets and bake until the edges turn golden and the centers stay soft. This is a hearty, oat-packed dough that doesn't spread much, so flatten each scoop a little before baking, and if it feels crumbly, a tablespoon of milk helps it come together.
Mix and Match Your Week
Bake the ziti on the night you have the most people at the table, and save the leftovers for an easy lunch. Make the tomato soup when you want something light and quick, and keep a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies on the counter for whenever the sweet tooth strikes.
Make Midweek Easy
A hearty dinner, a lighter bite, and a cookie jar favorite cover just about every craving in the middle of the week. And when you're not sure what to make with what's in your fridge, tell Recipe Boss what you have and get personalized recipes back in seconds.
