Your little referee calls the shots at mealtime. The game plan? An easy recipe created by food coach and chef German Lam of Glam Foods.
Baked Whole Wheat Ziti and Baby Spinach with Homemade Tomato Sauce
Serves four
Ingredients
½ c. olive oil
2 tbsp. chopped garlic in jar, dried granulated garlic, or fresh garlic
1 32-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 32-oz. can tomato sauce
16 leaves fresh basil or 2 tbsp. dried basil
Sugar (to taste)
Kosher salt (to taste)
1 lb. penne pasta
1 10-oz. bag baby spinach
½ lb. ricotta cheese
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1. Preheat oven to 425º.
2. Pour olive oil into a 1½-quart pot, add garlic, and saute over medium heat until golden brown.
3. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add basil and adjust seasoning with sugar and salt to taste.
5. Cook penne according to package directions (make sure to add salt to the water), then strain the pasta in a colander and toss it with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Wash the baby spinach in cold water and strain.
7. Add the spinach to two cups of tomato sauce and cook until it’s wilted.
8. Combine the pasta, sauce with spinach, and cheese in a casserole dish.
9. Bake until the cheese is melted.
Now you’ve scored a win for the home team.
To keep your family cheering, consult with Glam Foods (617-999-3868 or glamfoodsllc.com).
GAZE
Exploring the Night
What: Learn about constellations, study the moon, and view planets through a telescope with local astronomers.
Why: You’ve got stars in your eyes.
When: Thurs., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan (617-983-8500).
SEE (and MAKE)
Roslindale Open Studios
What: Lay eyes on more than 95 local artists’ works and let tots create their own masterpieces in the special children’s venue.
Why: How great thou art.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Roslindale Village and Sacred Heart School, 1035 Canterbury St., Roslindale (617-710-3811).
VISIT
Boston Lyric Opera’s First Open House
What: Get a behind-the-scenes tour, visit the dressing rooms, and raid the costume trunk for a photo session.
Why: Start the weekend on a high note.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Citi Performing Arts Center, Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Theater District (617-542-4912).
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center