On Friday March 9, twelve of our friends from Constant Companions/Hattie Larlham joined the OWLS regular Friday meeting for a fun-filled Easter Party! The OWLS and our visitors worked together on Easter crafts, both a decorated foam bunny and candy-filled eggs to take home. A great time was had by all!
Our meal of Johnny Marzetti included a history lesson of the dish by Carol Zumstein. Johnny Marzetti is a Midwestern Italian American pasta dish that usually includes noodles, cheese, ground beef, and a tomato sauce. It may include mushrooms, peppers, onions, or other aromatic vegetables. This dish originated in Columbus, Ohio at Marzetti’s, an Italian restaurant established in 1896 by Theresa Marzetti. This particular dish was named for her brother-in-law, Johnny. Theresa Marzetti died in 1972. The Marzetti name lives on as a producer of various salad dressings.
Johnny Marzetti Recipe
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
½ cup water
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 (8 oz) package elbow noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Lightly spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain fat. Stir in tomato soup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Toss cooked noodles with meat sauce. Pour into prepared pan.
5. Top pasta with shredded cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until bubbly.