Manicotti

How do you even begin a food post on a day like today when Japan has suffered so much? It's amazing to me to see how Bible prophecy is all coming together.So before I post my food blog I wanted to share some of what I know to be true from the Bible and it pretty much sums up perfectly what is taking place in the world right now.

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah." -Psalm 46:1-3. 

And when you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this must take place first, but the end will not [come] immediately. Then He told them,... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven,

...And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea, Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor).Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near." -Luke 21:7-11, 25-28, Amplified Bible.

Tonight I realized that I had not made manicotti in probably 10 years. It seemed like it would be a fairly quick and  easy meal to make and it sure was! I found the recipe from years ago, but I also knew that my cooking skills had improved since then and definitely my tastes  had changed, so I just started throwing it together with a completely different spin on the recipe and it was wonderful. 

3/4 lb ground beef  (or you can also use 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/4 lb italian sausage for some added flavor)

1 egg

1/4 lb grated mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 -2 Tbsp chopped, fresh parsley

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Manicotti noodles

16 oz tomato sauce

1 cup water

Italian seasoning

Oregano

Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown beef and drain. Let the beef cool for 5 minutes. Mix into the beef, the next 7 ingredients. Stir well to combine. 

Meanwhile, boil the manicotti noodles for 6 minutes and drain in colander. Rinse with cold water. 

Spray an 11X13 pan with Pam. Then pour 8 oz of the tomato sauce onto the bottom of the dish. 

Stuff each noodle with meat mixture. ( I find it easiest to hold the noodle like an ice cream cone, but leave one finger across the bottom so filling cannot fall out.)

Lay the noodles into the pan with the tomato sauce. 

Pour the leftover 8 oz of tomato sauce directly over the noodles and cover as best as you can. 

Pour 1 cup of water over the top of the tomato sauce covered noodles. 

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. 

Remove from oven and uncover the manicotti. Lightly sprinkle oregano and italian seasoning over the entire pan.

Sprinkle the parmesan over all the noodles. 

Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10 more minutes.