Cookaholics Bulletin Board

Looks delicious!!

Lu

I miss New York City and all the ethnic foods...especially Italian...I made CI Baked Ziti tonight...it was really wonderful...when I reheated the dish, I found that the mozzarella cheese hardened...the texture wasn't good...should I use fresh mozzarella next time? We only have low moisture cheese in my neck of the woods...thanks for letting me share!

Lu

Looks wonderful. I love this dish. I have the sausage version on the menu for Saturday night. I find that if I reheat it in a covered dish (I have some Pyrex dishes with glass covers.) in a moderate microwave, then let it sit for a few minutes for the heat to distribute more evenly, the cheese comes out fairly soft, but not as soft as the first night. Fresh moz fares a little better. I usually use low moisture whole milk moz, though.

I was looking at this recipe the other day and wondered if it's necessary to cut the mozzarella into 1/4" dice. Can't it be grated? Is this one of CI's unnecessary steps or does it make a difference?
fitzie

CI specifically wants the cheese to be diced and not shredded. I tried both ways and haven't noticed any considerably difference. I do keep the dish covered when reheating and still get a undesirable texture. Hope that helps!

Lu

My mom always adds chicken broth to the pan when reheating lasagna, so maybe that might help to keep the moisture level up. Just a thought.

I've made this a few times, and I typically half the recipe, partly just because it doesn't reheat well. I agree with JB about moderate microwave. It's probably the best way to keep it moister.

Amy

I made the CI Baked Ziti last night. Mixed reviews. DH and I had one helping each, 12 yr old grandson had 3 helpings, 4 yr old wouldn't touch it. Ate broccoli, carrots and bread and butter instead.

4 yr old said "What's that pink stuff?"
DH's only comment (as he very carefully inspected a forkful) was "What is it?"
12 yr old "You can make this every night, Nana."

We've never been a "casserole" family and DH prefers his pasta unadulterated. There's enough left over for dinner tonight. We do like fried pasta so I think I'll heat it in a non-stick skillet until it's hot and browned on the bottom.

fitzie

I really liked it, my kids did not. I think it's the "fresh" tomato taste they object to, and might try subbing my normal sauce one day.

DH inhales this recipe. Eats it until he is sick. I've never tried the sausage version, but I agree that low microwave (covered, with a smidge of water added in) is the way to reheat.