Homemade Manicotti

Hi!

On Christmas Eve, we almost always have some type of pasta. This time, we broke out the pasta maker, and we made some very delicious homemade manicotti. It’s just a fun experience making pasta {twisting that knob over and over again until the pasta is thin enough} and it’s even better eating it, knowing that your entire meal was made by hand. {and as my mom would say, with love! :)} I can’t wait until we can do it again!

Homemade Manicotti Adapted from a range of sources.

ingredients

for the pasta

• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

for the filling

• 1 lb. low-fat ricotta cheese
• 6 oz. mozzarella
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

topping

• Jar of tomato sauce
• Desired cheese for sprinkling on at the end

to make

make the pasta

1. In a large bowl, stir together 2 1/2 cups flour and the salt.
2. Make a well in the center, and add the water and eggs. Mix until combined.
3. Sprinkle a surface for kneading with flour. Knead the dough for about 4 minutes, or until all of the flour is incorporated.
4. Let rest for 15 minutes.
5. Set up your pasta maker, and complete the instructions to make as many manicotti “strips” as possible. Lay the strips down on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet when not in use. Add another layer of parchment paper before laying the strips on top of each other.

make the filling

1. Combine the filling ingredients together in a large bowl.

finish it up!

1. Spread tomato sauce in a thin layer on the bottom of a casserole dish.
2. Lay out a manicotti strip and spread a dollop of filling in the center. Spread it out, making sure to get the sides. Place in the baking dish, and repeat until all dough is used.
3. Next, spread another layer of sauce over the manicotti. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until manicotti is golden and cheese is melted.
5. Enjoy!

Have a good night! :)