Mimi, Let's Stay In Tonight

I consistently hear people say, "I spend so much money on happy hours and eating out, but it's the only way to maintain my social life." Ladies and gents, I beg to differ.

You don't have go out to be social. Case and point: A bunch of us hadn't seen each other in a while due to busy schedules, so my friend JG invited everyone over for dinner last night.

The food was scrumptious. 1 steamy pan of spaghetti pie (see below) + 1 creamy green bean casserole + 1 huge taco salad + margaritas all around = 1 whopping good time.

Now clearly there are some friends you wouldn't do this with, and you don't need to entirely deprive yourself of eating out, but think about cutting back and eating in a bit more. To keep the night going, pop in a good movie, throw on some music or dig out that dusty DDR mat (you know you still have it). I promise, fun will be had by all.

Spaghetti Pie

Ingredients:

1 box spaghetti (subs: angel hair or vermicelli)
1 12-14 oz can pasta sauce (JG likes Don Pepino)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs + 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray two 8-inch pie plates or one 9x13 inch pan.
2. Cook pasta according to directions and drain.
3. Remove 1/4 cup of each type of cheese and reserve in small bowl.
4. Mix pasta, sauce and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Pour into pie plates or pan. Sprinkle Parmesan and reserved cheese over top (if you are using breadcrumbs, mix with olive oil and sprinkle over cheese).
   
5. Bake covered 20-25 minutes, then uncovered until top is bubbly and browned, 10-15 minutes (may be slightly less if you are using pie plates).

The cost:
pasta: 1.29
sauce: 1.39
shredded cheese: 2.15
parm: .49

Grand Total: $5.32; serves 5-6 on it's own, 8-9 with a side & salad.