Lucy's Favorite Dinner

Lucy's Favorite Manicotti

1 pound box manicotti or cannelloni
1 large jar/can of spaghetti sauce or marinara, your favorite
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, reserved

Cheese filling:

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (cottage cheese okay if you are desperate but not as good)
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1 generous cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 medium onion, finely finely chopped (she wants it fine, can you tell?)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tab of Italian seasoning or combination of basil and oregano OR 1/4 cup fresh chopped leaves
(She likes the dried)

Combine and taste, adjusting as desired. Add one beaten egg and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Boil 1 pound manicotti or canelloni. Don't over boil. Drain gently or remove carefully from the pot. I like to place them on a sheet of foil or wax paper while they wait their turn for being stuffed.

Lightly oil the 9x13, or a dish of your liking.

Using a small spoon, fill the pasta tubes with the cheese filling. Neatly arrange them into the pans(s) until you have used up all of your noodles or cheese. Extra cheese sauce can be placed in the pan in the corners, or you can salvage broken manicotti if you prefer.

At this point, the dish can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just before baking, spoon the tomato sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, about 40 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Lucy loves broccoli and that compliments the meal well. Garlic bread is a must.