My Dad's Baked Ziti

My dad wrote this recipe years ago and it was a staple meal in our family for a long time.  Every time I make it I say that I need to make it more often.  It is soooo good!

This is also the white sauce recipe I use as my guideline every time I make white sauce to go with a meal.

Baked Ziti in Mornay Sauce and Grilled Sausage

2 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons of flour

2-½ cups milk or half-and-half

Salt

White pepper

Nutmeg

6 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese (not the dry type sold in a container)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper

1 ½ - 2 pounds of sweet or hot Italian sausage (whichever you prefer)

1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente

¼ cup basil if fresh. 1 tablespoon if dried

2-10 cloves of garlic, whole or sliced, whichever you prefer

Start the water to heat for cooking the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a small pan over medium heat melt the butter then blend in the flour.  A flat bottom whisk works well. Cook for 2 minutes. For a lower calorie dish use milk instead of half-and-half.  Add ½ cup at a time stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes.  Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch or two of nutmeg.  Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of the cheese.  Set aside and keep warm.

Cook the sausage over an outdoor grill or in the oven using the broiler, 3-5 minutes per side.  While the sausage is cooling, cook the pasta.   Add cold water when done to stop the pasta from overcooking.  Slice the sausage in ½ inch pieces.

The garlic can be kept in whole cloves or sliced, either way mix it with olive oil, salt, and pepper and cook it in an aluminum foil dish until roasted.

Drain the pasta and place in a large mixing bowl; add the Mornay sauce, sausage, and garlic.  Mix thoroughly and pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish.  Top with the remaining cheese and place into a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.  Broil for a few minutes to brown the top.

Let cool for a couple of minutes and serve, garnish with the basil.