Cheese Manicotti

By á-2904

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces tomato paste plus water
• 2 Tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 14 manicotti noodles
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 pound fontina cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 6 Tablespoons soft butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• fresh grated parmesan - sprinkle on top.

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350. Sauce - saute onions and garlic in olive oil, Simmer. Add tomato paste and stir, add 24 oz water, stir. Add seasoning and simmer.

2. Bring 2 large pots water to boil. Add olive oil - drop in Manicotti. Cook until aldente - 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, run under cold water until cool.

3. Filling: beat ricotta with eggs. Add grated cheeses and softened butter, beat. Add salt, pepper and basil. Beat on low until combined. Gently fill manicotti with cheese in 2 buttered 9x13 pans. Cover pasta with sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan.

4. Bake 20 minutes until bubbly.