Manicotti

*This pic is crazy, I had just taken it right after I pulled it out of the oven and plated it, you can see the steam coming off of the sides. *

Manicotti

This recipe makes around 14 manicotti noodles. Which is alot especially if its only for 2 people. But not worry; before you add sauce to them, seperate out the ones that you will not be eating in this sitting. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for about and 1 1/2. Then you can place them in a gallon sized ziploc bag and return them to the freezer. The next time you want to eat them, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, add them to your sauce and cook for about 30min, check them every 10 min. Add your mozzerella to the top right before they finish so it doesn't burn.

1 Pkg Manicotti Noodles

1 Jar Spagetti Sauce (We use "traditional", but it's your choice)

1 24oz tub Ricotta Cheese

1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

2 cups Mozzerella (split into 1/2 cup and 1 1/2 Cups)

1/8 tsp oregano

1/8 tsp parsley flakes

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bring a pot of water to a boil and then add your noodles. Let them boil for about 7-10 min. You don't want them to be completely done, because you are going to be baking them as well. As your noodles are boiling, mix in a large bowl, the ricotta, parmesan 1/2 cup mozzerella, oregano and parsley.(I know most people add an egg in the mixture to make the cheese stay together during the baking process, but I don't care for the texture so I leave it out.)  Place in a gallon ziploc bag, twist the top so all the cheese goes into the lower corner (like a piping bag) and cut off the corner. This will make it easier to fill the manicotti. After the noodles are done, I like to rinse them in cold water to make them cooler to handle. Squeeze the cheese mixture into each noodle until full. I usually have to squeeze it into both ends of the noodle for it to fill properly. I skimp a  bit on each until they are all full and then go back through top them off. Pour a small layer of spagetti sauce into the bottom of your pan. Lay the manicotti on top and then top with the rest of your sauce. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 min, checking it every 5-6 min.  At the last 5-6 min. add the rest of your mozzerella on top and let it go until the cheese is melted. ENJOY!