Patriot Moms

School year schedules can get hectic but with a little planning, meal time can still be enjoyable and healthy.

The next time you make lasagna, spaghetti, enchiladas, soup, you name it, make double or triple the portion and freeze the extra. Do this often enough and you will be surprised at the meals you will have on hand to choose from the next time you are in a pinch.

Stews and soups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to add a little water when reheating.

To get you started, here is a yummy, quick recipe for Baked Ziti. Double up on the ingredients and you can make one for now and freeze one for later!

Ingredients
1 lb mild Italian Sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce with mushrooms
1 (12 ounce) package ziti pasta, or penne pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish; set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, cook sausage, onions, green pepper, and garlic over medium heat until sausage is browned; drain fat.
3. Add pasta sauce and cook until mixture is hot, stirring occasionally. Add pasta to the sauce mixture and mix well. Stir in 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, mixing until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup Mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil.
5. Bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Enjoy!