It's 10:00, more than 13 hours since my last post. How did I fill the hours? I hung out at Panera's for 2 1/2 of them. I could have stayed longer. I picked up a few things from Bed Bath and Beyond and Bath and Bodyworks before heading to Macy's. It was a successful trip. I wanted to get a gift for my sister, whose name I had chosen for our holiday exchange. I had already gotten her something, but changed my mind about it. This time I picked out a gift that cost $100, but with the sale, extra percent off and my coupon, I paid half of that, which was the amount we had agreed to spend. I saved $50. I find that so exciting. I hope she likes the gift as much as I do.

I started my cooking at 2:30, and somehow, it took 4 hours! I'm glad I didn't try to cook yesterday. It was the bread. First you had to make a 'sponge' and let it sit for 20 minutes. About 10 minutes into it I reread the directions and realized I put a package of yeast in instead of a half-tablespoon, so I started over. After 20 more minutes, I added the other ingredients and mixed for 5 minutes. In my new mixer. When I placed the dough in the bowl it would be rising in, I couldn't turn it over-it was way too sticky. I had to add flour and knead it by hand. I enjoyed that. Then it had to rise for an hour. Then I had to put it in a large pan and press it into the corners, which it wouldn't do, and which I read was normal. I had to cover it with a damp towel for 15 minutes so it could rest, then try again. It stretched. Then it had to rise again for an hour. In the meantime, I started making the baked ziti, and the pots and pans and measuring cups and bowls were just piling up. The dish washing never seemed to end! When the bread was ready, I had to poke it, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle kosher salt and rosemary over it. Finally, at 6:00 it was time for the oven. I got the baked ziti assembled and ready to go while the focaccia was baking. As soon as it was out of the oven, the ziti went in. At 7:00, we were ready to eat. More than ready to eat! I'd definitely make both dishes again. I'd add a little more garlic to the ziti, and a little less olive oil to the top of the focaccia. I couldn't decide which pictures to post, so I just did them all. The meal looks pretty good on my $2 clearance plates, don't you think?





I'm having my family over on the 23rd to celebrate my father's 80th birthday, and I think I want to serve an Italian meal. I could prepare everything in advance so as not to be stuck in the kitchen for 4 hours while they're here. I'll have time to try a few more dishes before the big day.

Time to put this one to rest.