CL's Ziti with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes and Gorgonzola, have all ingredients except..

[applecrisp]

I was looking for a pasta recipe and I came across this old CL recipe. I have all the ingredients on hand except half and half. I never use half and half (or cream etc) so I don't really want to buy it simply for 6 tablespoons.

What can I sub for the half and half?

I was wondering if I can make sub, based on what I have on hand. I have greek yogurt and milk. Can I thin the yogurt with some milk and use that (this is a total guess)?

I can always just find a different recipe, since I certainly have enough to choose from in my to try file on my computer. Or if you tried the recipe and thought it was great, maybe I'll cave. I thought the amount of veggies seemed kind of skimpy so I was going to up that.

Thanks, any input much appreciated.

Ziti with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Gorgonzola Sauce

Gorgonzola, an Italian blue cheese, gives this grown-up mac and cheese dish pungent flavor. If you'd like to make it more family-friendly, substitute your favorite blue or other creamy cheese. You can also substitute penne or rigatoni for ziti.

Cooking Light SEPTEMBER 2008

Yield: 2 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)
Prep time:40 Minutes
.Ingredients
4 ounces uncooked ziti
1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
6 tablespoons half-and-half
3 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1 cup fresh spinach
Preparation
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.

2. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, crushed red pepper, and minced garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in half-and-half and Gorgonzola cheese; cook 2 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in spinach and pasta; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts, tossing occasionally.

[1grl1by]

I would do just that, thin the yogurt. It might give it a tangy-ier taste than the half and half, depending on your yogurt, but I think it should be fine.

[alicerh]

I made this last week and loved it. I didn't measure anything so I probably used more spinach than called for. I used milk because I don't keep cream or 1/2 & 1/2 either. The cheese makes a lovely rich sauce.

[applecrisp]

Thanks so much 1grl1by and alicerh! I was looking for a recipe to use some ingredients on hand and this recipe sounded sooo good, but I didn't want to buy half and half, since I only need such a small amount.

I'm looking forward to trying the recipe, a definite change from my usual pasta dish. I might cut back the portion (or not, ha) and serve along with some grilled chicken. Or might just go for a salad and the pasta.

Thanks again.

[applecrisp]

I made this tonight and I thought it was very good. I winged the amount of veggies, but definitely upped the amounts given in the recipe.

I ended up using milk instead of the half and half -- which was fine. I imagine it would have been thicker etc with the half and half, but for me, not a big deal, and not worth buying some. Next time, I'll try with a combo of milk and yogurt for a thicker sauce.

Now what to do with the rest of the gorgonzola. Ha. Won't be too tough.

Thanks again.