#293 - Manicotti

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 - 12oz. package manicotti
1 - 15oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 - 10oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 - 26oz. jar spaghetti sauce

Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and set aside. Cook manicotti according to package directions--add a little olive oil when cooking them so they won't stick together; drain and set aside on aluminum foil. In large bowl mix the ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, prepared spinach, salt and pepper. Scoop cheese mixture into a Ziploc bag, squeeze out the air and close bag. Cut a small hole in one of the bottom corners of the bag, then squeeze the bag so cheese mixture comes out--squeeze cheese mixture into each of the manicottis. Pour a little sauce in the bottom of the baking dish, arrange the prepared manicottis in the dish, then pour the rest of the spaghetti sauce over shells and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. If you have extra Parmesan cheese, sprinkle on top also. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbling hot. Serve with garlic bread.