Wednesday Baked ziti with sausage

It's Wednesday already and today we plan on going to the park...if this rain stuff stops! On the menu today is Toaster Struddles for breakfast, PB&J sandwiches for picnic lunch, Orange smiles and bugs on a log for snack, and Baked ziti with sausage and salad for dinner. The ziti is the only reicpe for today since I assume you can make the rest of the menu on our own.

Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage and a Salad
(Robin Miller Quick Fix Meals Pg. 34)

1 lb. ziti noodles
2 tea. olives oil
8 ounces turkey or chicken sausage (sweet or hot), casing removed
One 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
One 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tea. dried basil
1 tea. dried oregano
One 15 oz. container ricotta cheese
8 oz. shredded motzarella cheese
1/2 tea. garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta accorking to the package directions, drain.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 min, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil and bring to a simmer. Partially cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 min. Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the motzarella, and garlic powder until well combined.
Spoon 1 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 4 quart casserole dish. Top with half the cooked ziti. Top with half the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula. Top with another cup of the tomato sauce. Repeat the layers using the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture, then top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan evenly over the top.
You can now freeze the entire thing. Or, Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly.

EnJoY!