Monday, February 9, 2009

Bobi's Bites: Manicotti



Isn't it funny what we remember from our childhoods? Things our parents feel will scar us for life barely make an imprint and then simple things that pass us by in a moment stick with us forever. I find it funny I can barely recollect the faces of my teachers from K - 6th grade but I can tell you what meals were served in what dishes and the frequency at which they were served. I remember the 9x13 dish that my mother always made this manicotti in also served my family an eggplant parmesan that tasted like the dead snake we found in our basement one summer. Poor Ms. Entz - I can't remember 3rd grade - but I'll never forget the smell of that Eggplant Parmesan or the way I felt about that brown Pyrex dish afterwards. I hope this simple and fast recipe leaves lasting memories with your family!

Step 1: Boil Manicotti noodles according to box; Drain.



Stuffing for Manicotti

3/4 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
3/4 lb. mozzarella, shredded
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 T. butter
2 T. grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp. salt
Pinch of black pepper.

Drain ricotta or cottage cheese. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, butter, Parmesan, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.

Stuff 8 noodles or however many are in half a box of mozzarella pasta.
Spread thin layer of marinara sauce in bottom of pan or 9 x 13 glass dish. Arrange manicotti in pan. Add rest of sauce and sprinkle each manicotti noodle with a teaspoon of Parmesan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes.

6 comments:

Sabrina said...

you brought back the memory of my mom making chili manicotti. Weird, I know, we are from the south. But I love it. I am gonna find the recipe and try it again and yours too. Thanks for the memories.

amycaseycooks said...

We didn't eat much Italian growing up - except spaghetti and meatballs. It was a regualr rotation of meals - steak, tuna noodle casserole, pizza, and I can't even remember what else.

K-6 is pretty much a blur to me. Except when I got the giant Valentine's Day card from a boy named John in the 4th grade!!

Anonymous said...

Yummy! Manicotti is the ultimate comfort food too!

I have not made it in quite a long time, I used to make it when we were first married!

I will try this recipe for sure :-)

I have closed my Boys Will B Boys Blog and started a cooking and reading blog...nothing there yet, but soon :-)

Anonymous said...

OMG there are these bowls my mother has in blue and yellow and I'll never forget all their contents...the good and the bad!

This looks like a great meal.

Julie said...

I love manicotti! My hubby is in charge of that around here...may have to put him to work.

Karen said...

That dish looks so good. I use the measuring spoons and some pots and pans that my mom cooked in - I have fond memories each time I use them.