Prepping for Josh's Homecoming

Josh got the call last week Monday morning that he was heading back to Arizona for a week so I decided to sit down and make my menu for when he comes home since he had to eat fast food all week.  So I decided to make one of his favorite things ahead of time b/c then he can put it into the oven while I am on my way home from work.  I can't wait for him to come home b/c I also found a few other recipes to try out on him.  I hope you enjoy one of our favorite recipes, stuffed manicotti.


Four Cheese & Sausage Stuffed manicotti

Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) package MANICOTTI, uncooked
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon basil leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 (15- or 16-ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded provolone cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg


Prepare  manicotti as package directs. In large skillet, over medium heat, brown sausage; pour off fat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese and egg; mix well. Stuff  MANICOTTI. Spread half the sauce on bottom of greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange  MANICOTTI over sauce. Spoon remaining sauce over  MANICOTTI; cover. Bake 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Uncover; top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer. Refrigerate leftovers.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.  I plan on serving it with garlic bread and a side salad.  This reciped makes great leftovers, also.  Plus, I have split this recipein half and froze one since it makes a 9x13 pan and that's too much for 2 people, which is nice to have all ready put together and all you have to do is thaw out and heat.  I can't wait to share my other new recipes with you later this week.  I hope everyone has a great week and happy cooking.

Kelly