A book fell on my head. I guess I have only my shelf to blame.

There has been a recurring theme around here lately…Quick and easy. These (busy) days I need recipes that can quickly come together but are still very delicious.

Like this Italian Slab Pie.

Just fill some puff pastry with a fennel and sausage mixture, add in some marinara, ricotta and basil and bake for 20 minutes. You get an elegant, yet homey pie that makes a lovely lunch or dinner. Just add a side salad to complete the meal.

Italian Slab Pie

Ingredients:

3 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 pound spicy Italian pork sausage, casings removed
1/2 large bulb fennel, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
Flour, for dusting
2 sheets (one 17.3-oz package) frozen puff pastry, thawed
2/3 cup ricotta
1/3 cup jarred marinara sauce
1/2 cup packed basil leaves, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425℉.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the fennel, garlic and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon water.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle.

6. Transfer 1 pastry sheet to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with an even layer of the sausage, then the vegetable mixture, leaving a one inch border.

7. Using a tablespoon, dot with the ricotta, then drizzle on the marinara and sprinkle with half the basil. Brush the dough border with the egg and top with the remaining puff pastry, lining up the edges and pressing to seal.

8. Brush the top with egg, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Cut 4 slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

9. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden, 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining basil.

Serves 4 to 6

Recipe from Everyday With Rachael Ray Magazine

How about some synth pop to dance us into the weekend? Djustin, a duo that formed before they even met each other, have the classic girl-boy band aesthetic and totally nail it on ‘Stars’.

Check out Djustin on the band’s Website where you can link to buy their music.

Cheers!