i'm learning to read...

let me clarify...i'm learning to enjoy reading

i'm the type who needs to be hooked within the first chapter,
or else it goes back on the shelf
...the shelf that doesn't really exist
because i've always thought: i don't like reading
i blame this on summer reading
summer after summer being required to read
strange, boring, and sometimes disturbing books
scarred me.

that's a legit excuse, right?


luckily--there have been some redeeming books out there
that have given me hope again

and I think I'm ready to give these a try

let's see what all the hype is about...

oh the joy of carbs...

i think spaghetti was the first thing my mom taught me to make.
and if i ever had to cook a meal for friends in college, this was my go-to.
pretty boring, right?
it was time to step it up a notch.

Here's a new "twist" on spaghetti
still super easy...but way more fun!
(and more impressive for your guests)

• 1 Pillsbury Pizza Crust (next time I would try a thicker dough)
  
• 6 oz spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup thick spaghetti sauce
• optional: italian sausage or ground beef
  
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 –inch cubes
• 1 egg white
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
  

1. Spread dough out on parchment paper
2. Cook pasta
3. Cook meat
4. Cut cheese into cubes

5. Mix spaghetti and sauce. Place spaghetti lengthwise in a 4-inch strip down the center of dough.
6. Top with meat and cheese cubes
7. Make cuts 1 ½-inches apart on long sides of dough.
8. Braid strips left over right, right over left. Finish by pulling last strip over and tucking under braid.

9. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Garlic salt
10. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown