Manicotti

This is one of my hubbies all time favorites! It's super yummy and super easy!

1 small container Ricotta cheese

6-8 Manicotti noodles

1/4 c. chopped parsley

1/4 c. chopped mushrooms

1/4 c. chopped zucchini

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese

1/4 c. parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 sandwich baggie

1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

Boil Manicotti noodles till al dente. If you over cook, they'll split open. Usually about 9 minutes. Check the box for cooking instructions. In a sauce pan, saute zucchini and mushrooms in 1 Tbs. butter. About 3 minutes. Set aside. Mix together ricotta cheese, parsley, half the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You'll need the rest to sprinkle on top. Stir in the vegetables. Spoon the mixture into the sandwich bag. Snip the corner. Pour about 1/2 c. sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x9 pan. Squeeze the mixture into the Manicotti noodle. Squeeze into both sides so it's evenly filled. Place the noodle on top of the sauce. When done, spread enough sauce on the noodle to cover then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with steamed carrots or a green salad.

Chicken Burros

Chicken Burros, in the crock pot
(I love this dish on Sundays. You set it and forget it! Then it's done.)

8 boneless skinless chicken tenderloins (serves 4-6 adults)
1 can chicken broth
1 small jar your favorite salsa
1/2 c. corn
1/2 c. black beans
sour cream
cheese
tortillas
avocado
tomato
lettuce

Put chicken and chicken broth in the crock pot on high for about 4 hours. Shred with a fork and add salsa, black beans and corn. Cook for another hour. Roll into a tortilla adding your favorite toppings-sour cream, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. Serve with a side of beans and Spanish rice.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Banana Bread-So good!

2 c. flour (I use half wheat and half white)
2 eggs
1/2 butter, softened (10 seconds in the microwave works great too)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3-4 bananas
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. nuts, optional

Cream bananas, butter and sugar. Add eggs and stir. Mix in dry ingredients.
Place in a greased bead pan, 9x9 pan or a bunt pan (I use a bunt pan). Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Every oven is different, so it may need a little more time. Mine is done in 48 minutes. Enjoy nice and warm with creamy butter on top.

Easy Bacon & Olive Rotini

1 pound rotini, cooked and drained
8 oz diced tomatoes, drained
9 strips of bacon, cut in one inch pieces
8 oz black olives, cut in thirds
3 basil leaves, julienned
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
olive oil

Brown bacon in saucepan. Drain. Add olive oil and add garlic and basil. Cook for 1 minute over medium low heat. Add tomatoes and olives. Simmer for 10 minutes. Spoon sauce over rotini and dollopwith ricotta cheese. Enjoy!