Stuffed Shells Recipe

I have had a request for the recipe for stuffed shells...so, here it is!

jumbo shells
1 jar red pasta sauce
1 egg
1 container ricotta cheese (there are skim versions available but I always just use regular--I have only found one size but I think its around 15 oz)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided...1 1/2 cups goes in the mixture, 1/2 cup goes on top)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
chopped frozen spinach- defrost and drain...really get all the liquid out--the original recipe did not call for spinach but my kids love it so I add it every time


Cook shells per package directions. I usually cook around half a box (approx 25 shells).

In a mixing bowl lightly beat egg. Add ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, parsley, parmesan and completely drained spinach. Mix very well.

Spray baking dish(es) with Pam and then spread half the sauce in the bottom. Once shells are cooked (you don't want to overcook as they will fall apart when you try and spoon in the filling) and slightly cooled fill each shell with cheese/spinach mixture. Pour remaining sauce on top of the shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover w/foil and bake at 425 for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.

Enjoy!

So, What Have We Been Up To??

NOT MUCH OF ANYTHING!

I am finishing up school (thank goodness) and I go to Faulkner County Day School from 8-12 Monday-Friday. Kylie still have cheer and dance four days a week at 4 so we have been trying to pack as much as we can into 3 hours every afternoon.

These are just some random pictures...not all from the same day...just a little of what we have been up to...

The boys at Toad Suck Park...Kylie was still at school for her last few days


We went to Gatling (yes, there is a G...I looked it up)Park and had a picnic of pizza and root beer. The kids decided they wanted to gather up sticks and rocks and throw them off one of the bridges into the creek.


Seriously, I have cooked 6 meals in a row! I love to cook, I hate to clean up, and it is hard during the school year to cook every night (JD works different hours, Kylie has activities, I had class...) This was last night...3 cheese/spinach stuffed shells. Also on the menu this week...grilled pork chops, roast, mexican chicken, linguini, and stuffed peppers. My kitchen is a mess but well worth it!


Favorite summer favorite...slurpin' on Sonic!


This is our yard...after one day on the slip-n-slide...yikes!


Yes, this picture is blurry...Kylie has become an "expert" at making clover necklaces. Gavin wanted a crown, not a necklace but it kept falling and he was laughing so hard! I was too, hence the blurry picture taken w/ my phone.

My Birthday

My birthday was Monday and, while I am not really ready to ignore it, I'm not the "make a big deal" kind of person. My wonderful husband made me my favorite dinner, linguini and clam sauce on Sunday night. It was SO good and I could eat it every day. It is a real childhood favorite...makes me think of my grandparents. Also, my in-laws brough over an ice cream brownie cake for us to share. Yummy!

I had to go to summer school on my birthday from 8-12 and when I got home JD and my brother had brought tables outside and hung balloons. We spent the rest of the day/evening outside playing. We grilled out hamburgers, hotdogs, homemade potato salad, and cheese dip for dinner. JD surprised me with an ice cream cake from Shake's. Notice the theme this year...ICE CREAM CAKES! Apparantly, I have been mentioning that I wanted one...or two :). It was a great day!!