ZITI WITH MOZZARELLA, TOMATOES, OLIVES AND BASIL

Hi everyone.  Well the really beautiful California weather is about to start, and just in time for the weekend.  By this afternoon it will be in the high 70's and 80 on the weekend.  Time to get up off of the couch and get out and about this weekend.  Enjoy the wonderful, sunny days ahead.  THIS is why we live in California.

Today I have another way to make a quick, delicious Pasta dish.  I am always thinking of ways to do something different with different kinds of Pasta.  All of them are wonderful.  There is no such thing as a bad dish of Pasta.

ZITA WITH MOZZARELLA, TOMATOES, OLIVES AND BASIL

1 lb pkg Barilla Ziti
2 containers of Fresh, small Mozzarella balls (in the cheese section) packed in water. Drained
Cherry tomatoes (1 container)
Kalamata olives without pits
Fresh Basil
Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil

Spray a large casserole dish  Or put a little Olive Oil in and spread all over.  Chiffonade about 8 leaves of fresh Basil.  Cut the Cherry Tomatoes in half, cut 1/2 cup of Olives in half.  Cook the Ziti until it is almost al dente.  Drain and put into a large bowl.  Mix the Ziti, the Basil, the Olives, the Tomatoes and the Cheese. Add 1/4 cup of Olive Oil, salt and pepper. Toss all together.  Pour into the casserole.  Top with 1/2 cup of Parmesan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes until the Mozzarella has melted.  Yummy.  Serve with a crisp green salad and don't forget a glass of Wine.

Thanks for stopping in today
Ciao
Grayce