Food & Health Inspiration
BAKED FETA PASTA: a TikTok effect
See How it’s Made!
Self-Proclaimed Recipe Concoctor Valerie Weivoda, MS, RD, LD, SNS
If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve seen the viral Baked Feta Pasta. The recipe first caught fire in Finland where they actually ran out of feta cheese in 2018. The recipe made its viral showcase to the United States two years later. As a lover of pasta, I had to try this dish! The best part about this recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy - not to mention delicious! Feta newbies probably only think of it as a topping for your lettuce salads. If you enjoy feta, now you must try the Baked Feta Pasta! Start by preheating the oven to 400F. In an oven-safe dish, add cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves. Coat in olive oil, a healthy amount of dried oregano (or Italian seasoning) and a dash of salt and pepper. Form a space in the center of your dish and place down your feta block or crumbles in a pile together. Generously coat with more olive oil and seasoning. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, boil water & cook your pasta of choice following package directions to al dente. Remove your feta dish from the oven and gently remove your garlic cloves to a cutting board or plate to cool slightly. Carefully peel your cloves and add back to your feta dish. Mash the garlic, feta and tomatoes together mixing well.Toss in your pasta and fresh basil leaves. Portion, top with fresh basil & enjoy! Make it the perfect side dish to compliment any entree or make it a complete meal by adding cooked chicken! If you aren’t partial to feta cheese, try it with goat cheese! If you love asparagus, try adding chopped or shaved asparagus with the tomatoes & garlic cloves before baking. For the cheese lovers, use a cheese stuffed pasta!
Predict the unpredictable
INGREDIENTS: 1 lb Pasta of choice 18 oz Cherry tomatoes 1 Block Feta or 1 package Feta crumbles (6 - 8 oz) 2 - 4 cloves Garlic, unpeeled Handful of fresh basil (about ¼ cup packed, chopped) plus more for topping ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil ¼ tsp each salt & pepper, to taste
XOXO Gal Pal Val
Introducing Heartland Meal Orders Planning your production counts may be tricky this year. But with our new Meal Orders solution, students, parents, and teachers can order their meals in advance so you can plan with confidence.
Growing up in a family of 6 children with parents and older siblings that cooked, I have always been curious in the kitchen. My love for food and fitness led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Mississippi. During my internship I had a spark of interest in school nutrition. Now, as the Director of the Child Nutrition Department in Lee County School District in Tupelo, MS, I try to create and menu at least one new recipe each month, whether it be a taste test at one school or something menued across the district. In my spare time, I love to create my own recipes at home, prepare and review other’s recipes, and talk about all things wellness on my Instagram page: @val.weivoda_rd.
Find out more at HeartlandSchoolSolutions.com
Valerie Weivoda, MS, RD, LD, SNS
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