Handmade Four-Cheese Manicotti

Treat your guests to a sumptuous Italian entree that begins with handmade manicotti noodles. In just thirty minutes or so, you can make the homemade crepe-style noodles from scratch; and fill them with a rich, four-cheese filling.

Definitely company-worthy, yet quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

HOMEMADE CREPE NOODLES:

• 1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. whole milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 t. salt

FILING:

• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 c. cottage cheese
• 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 t. Italian seasoning

SAUCE:

• 1 jar (28 oz.) spaghetti sauce
• 1-1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese

Supplies:

• Metal mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 8" skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 13"x9" baking dish
• Stovetop
• Oven

Place flour in a bowl; whisk in milk, eggs, and salt until smooth.

Pour about 2 Tablespoons of batter onto a hot, greased 8-inch skillet; quickly spread into a 5-6" circle. Cook over medium heat until set; do not brown or turn.

Repeat with remaining batter; set crepes aside.

For filling, combine cheeses, egg, and Italian seasoning.

Spoon 3 Tablespoons of filling down the center of each crepe; roll up, burrito-style.

Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into an ungreased 13"x9" baking dish.

Place crepes, seam-side down, over the sauce.

Pour remaining sauce over the top.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Uncover.

Top with remaining 1-1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20 more minutes.

Serve while hot with crusty French bread and a spinach salad.

Yield: 6 servings.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.