Welcome to 'Cooking With Miranda'. With the holidays behind us and the bone-chilling weather setting in, It's time to cook up some 'comfort' food.

Today, I will share with you my grandma Alice's extra special recipe for 'Baked Spaghetti'. It is so good, your family members will be begging for seconds (and probably thirds!).

Grandma Alice's Baked Spaghetti (Serves 12)

Cheesy Noodles

Ingredients

2lbs Spaghetti

2 cups Cottage Cheese

1 cup shredded Mozzarella plus 1/2 cup for topping

Method

Cook Spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Drain the noodles and place them back in the pot. Mix in the cottage cheese, while noodles are still warm.

Spaghetti Sauce (Store Bought Works Too)

Ingredients

4 cloves crushed garlic

1 large shallot chopped finely

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp each fresh chopped oregano and parsley

2 tbsp chopped basil

1lb ground Beef or Pork (optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

If using beef or pork, cook it in a non-stick skillet until lightly brown.Then, drain the grease and set the meat aside.

Meanwhile, saute the shallots, until soft and lightly brown. Add garlic and saute for another minute or two. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and chopped oregano, parsley and half the basil. If using meat, add to the sauce now. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the sauce is thickened, stirring constantly. Add remaining basil.

Putting It All Together

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch ovenproof plate and layer as follows - tomato sauce, followed by half the cheesy spaghetti and half cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining sauce and the half cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

When ready, take the plate out from the oven, cut in squares and serve with warm garlic bread and a nice tossed green salad. YUM!

sources: Miranda Church, Lisa Church