The pairing of 'Baked Pasta' with 'From Lukov with Love' by Mariana Zapata and a classic Bellini cocktail creates an enjoyable evening of warmth and companionship. 'From Lukov with Love,' a narrative about perseverance and understanding, aligns perfectly with the comforting and customizable nature of baked pasta, as both offer a comforting experience. Complement this union with a refreshing Bellini, a cocktail celebrated for its simplicity and elegant taste, which enhances the richness of the meal while offering a contrast to the intensity of both the book and dish. Together, this trio provides an ambiance of coziness and an opportunity for reflection and savoring life's simple pleasures with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. If using meat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. If desired, add the ricotta cheese and mix well.
- Assemble the Dish: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.
From Lukov with Love
A charming and absorbing story about the rigor and romance of figure skating, taking readers through the emotional journey of Jasmine Santos as she pursues her dreams alongside her unlikely partner, Ivan Lukov.
"If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one. After seventeen years–and countless broken bones and broken promises–she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close. But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including Ivan Lukov"–Page 4 of cover.
Discussion Questions
- How do Jasmine's childhood experiences shape her personality and approach to challenges?
- In what ways does the partnership between Jasmine and Ivan evolve throughout the story?
- Discuss the portrayal of competitive sports and its impact on athletes' mental health.
- How does the author use humor to develop character relationships?
- What role does family play in Jasmine's journey towards self-acceptance?
- Examine the theme of perseverance and its significance in the story.
- How do Jasmine's friendships contribute to her personal growth?
- Analyze the dynamics between Jasmine and Ivan and their influence on each other.
- What does 'From Lukov with Love' suggest about the importance of support systems in achieving personal goals?
- Discuss the novel's exploration of pride and vulnerability and how they affect character decisions.
Authors:
Mariana Zapata
ISBN: 999888777
Publisher: Mariana Zapata
Published Date: 2018
ISBN: 999888777
Publisher: Mariana Zapata
Published Date: 2018
Classic Bellini
A refreshing Italian cocktail originating from Venice, the Bellini is made with Prosecco and ripe peach purée, creating a bubbly and fruity drink to complement a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and puréed
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 bottle Prosecco, chilled
Instructions
- Purée the peaches in a blender until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and sugar to the purée, adjusting to taste.
- Pour the peach purée into the bottom of a champagne flute, filling about a third of the glass.
- Gently pour chilled Prosecco over the purée to fill the glass, stirring gently just before serving.