Three-Cheese Manicotti

Ingredients:
•1/4 cup chopped onion
•1 clove garlic, minced
•1 tablespoon cooking oil
•1 14-1/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
•1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
•1 teaspoon sugar
•1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
•1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
•1 small bay leaf
•8 dried manicotti shells
•2 beaten eggs
•2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
•1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese or cream-style cottage cheese
•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•1/2 cup snipped fresh parsley
•1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
•Dash pepper
Nutritional Information:
Carbohydrate: 21g, Sodium: 586g, Fiber: 1g, Cholesterol: 88mg, Total Fat: 14g, Calories: 284, Protein: 19g.

Steps:
1. For sauce, in a 2-quart saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Add undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, the 1 teaspoon oregano, the thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf.

2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse shells in cold water.

3. For filling, in a medium mixing bowl stir together eggs, half of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta or cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, the 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and dash pepper. Spoon filling into manicotti.

4. Pour half of the tomato mixture into a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti in the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese atop.

5. Bake the stuffed manicotti, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Makes 8 servings.

6. Prepare as above, except do not bake. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as above.


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