Obstinate, Headstrong Girl!

It was such a beautiful day today, such wonderful sunshine, it seems ALMOST a shame to spend it indoors. How could I refuse though, when my husband suggested a Pride & Prejudice marathon? An entire day curled up next to my hubby on the couch watching Colin Firth/Mr. Darcy? No contest!

A day of P&P, and manicotti until bursting last night, all these excesses seem a very good way to usher in March, to my thinking! Spring is legally only 18 days off, this week is Spring Break, life is good!

Baked Manicotti (recipe from America's Test Kitchen)

Tomato Sauce:

2 28-oz cans diced tomatoes in juice

2 T EVOO

3 medium cloves garlic, minced

1/2 t hot red pepper flakes

1/2 t salt

2 T chopped fresh basil

Cheese Filling and Pasta:

3 c ricotta cheese

2 c grated parmesan cheese

2 c grated mozzarella cheese

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

2 T chopped fresh parsley

2 T chopped fresh basil

16 no-cook lasagne noodles

Heat oil, garlic and pepper flakes in large sauce pan over med heat until fragrant, 1 -2 minutes. Pulse 1 can of tomatoes and juice at a time in food processor until coarsely chopped, 3 - 4 pulses. Stir tomatoes into garlic oil with salt and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in basil.

Combine ricotta, mozzarella and 1 c of parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper and herbs.

Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13x9 inch baking dish, then add noodles one at a time. Let them soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking. Remove noodles from water and place in a single layer on clean kitchen towels. Discard water and dry baking dish.

Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 c sauce. Spread 1/4 c cheese mixture evenly onto bottom 3/4 of each noodle. Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. Top evenly with remaining sauce, completely covering pasta.

Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375* for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and broil for 4-6 minutes until cheese is browned in spots. Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 6-8.

Happy March!

T