Three Cheese Manicotti

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 2 cups ricotta cheese (15 ounces), preferably fresh
2. 1cup shredded mozzarella (about 6 ounces)
3. 2/3 cup coarsely chopped basil
4. Salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
7. 1 cup water
8. 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
9. Unsalted butter
10. 3 cups tomato sauce, preferably homemade
11. 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta with the mozzarella, basil, 1 teaspoon of salt and the pepper.
2. In a blender, process the flour, water, eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Heat an 8-inch crêpe or omelet pan over moderately high heat. Lightly butter the pan and add 2 tablespoons of the batter; working quickly, swirl the pan to coat it evenly. Cook until the top of the crêpe is dry and the bottom is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Flip the crêpe and cook until the bottom is lightly golden, about 20 seconds longer. Transfer the crêpe to a large plate and repeat with the remaining batter to make a total of 16 crêpes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°. Coat the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish with 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Arrange the crêpes on a work surface. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling in a line down the center of each crêpe. Loosely roll up the crêpes and arrange them, seam side up, side by side in the baking dish. Pour the remaining 2 cups of tomato sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tomato sauce is bubbling and the manicotti are heated through. Serve piping hot.