Recipe: Three-Cheese Manicotti (not Olive Garden's)

Three-Cheese Manicotti
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Makes 8 servings

Make-Ahead Tip:
Prepare as above, except do not bake. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as above.