*This is a recipe that I remember my mom making when I was younger. My husband and I had recently taken on the challenge of providing care and meals for my ailing father-in-law. By challenge I mean that he is a very picky eater with some chewing and taste restrictions. I for one love to cook, not saying it is always the best tasting but I truly enjoy it. When posed with the “cooking challenge” naturally I ran to my Mom’s house to raid her recipes. Gravitating to what I knew and loved from childhood I asked about her manicotti recipe. Lucky for me she still had it. Unlucky for me it did not make the list for my father-in-law. :0( My husband and I had to recently relinquish our responsibilities of care to someone more fit, presenting me the opportunity to cook what I want!! Voila! Manicotti!!!
Manicotti

8 manicotti shells, cooked
1 lb. ground chicken, turkey, beef, or sausage
2 cups water
2-6 oz. cans tomato paste
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup snipped or dried parsley
1 large minced clove garlic
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper
2 beaten eggs
3 cups cottage cheese, drained
3/4 cups Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven at 350• cook for 40-45 min.
Cook manicotti noodles in salted water. Brown meat, drain. Add water, tomato paste, onion, parsley, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 min. In large bowl combine eggs, cottage cheese, salt and pepper. Stuff cooked manicotti shells. Grease 9/13 baking dish. Pour half of meat mixture in baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti. Top with remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered.

Thanks Mom!

—————————

***Guest post by a old a friend of mine; thanks Amanda!