This pairing of classic Baked Ziti with Bonnie Garmus's "Lessons in Chemistry" and a full-bodied Chianti creates an Italian-inspired evening filled with warmth and charm. "Lessons in Chemistry" is an inspiring read that captivates with its story of resilience and science—parallel to the comforting and hearty experience of enjoying Baked Ziti. Meanwhile, the Chianti's rich notes complement the ziti’s robust flavors, bringing a harmonious balance to the meal. This combination offers an immersive experience of culinary delight and literary engagement.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the tomato sauce and sausage mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Lessons in Chemistry
Set in the early 1960s, "Lessons in Chemistry" follows the remarkable story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who finds herself the unlikely star of a cooking show after her research career is derailed. While she teaches her audience much more than recipes, Zott turns the status quo upside down and inspires a nation of women with her originality and courage.
#1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD • Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • STREAM ON APPLE TV+ This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious…the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter). A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo. Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
Discussion Questions
- How does Elizabeth Zott challenge the gender norms of her time?
- What role does chemistry play in Elizabeth's journey and character development?
- How does "Lessons in Chemistry" reflect on the societal expectations of the 1960s?
- In what ways do the cooking show and kitchen setting serve as metaphors for wider themes in the book?
- Discuss how the secondary characters like Calvin, Mad, and Walter shape Elizabeth’s story.
- How does the author use humor to address serious issues in the story?
- What are some of the key moments that showcase Elizabeth's resilience?
- How does the novel portray the intersection of science and personal identity?
- In what ways does Elizabeth’s relationship with Calvin impact her outlook on life and her career?
- What message does the book convey about the value of unconventional thinking?
Authors:
Bonnie Garmus
ISBN: 9780385547345
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2022-04-05
Chianti
A classic Italian red wine, Chianti, is known for its earthy, floral aromas and bright cherry flavors. This medium-bodied wine pairs beautifully with hearty pasta dishes, enhancing both the richness of the cheese and the savory notes of the sausage in Baked Ziti.
Ingredients
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: Tuscany, Italy
- Grape: Sangiovese
- ABV: Approximately 13%
Instructions
- Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F.
- Allow the wine to breathe for 15-30 minutes before serving to fully appreciate its complex aromas.
- Pair with Italian dishes like Baked Ziti, lasagna, or a Tuscan bean soup for a delightful savory experience.