BAKED MANICOTTI (BOLOGNESE RAGU)

Steps:

• I suggest making the filling a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors of cheese, garlic and herbs to fully meld.
• Beat the eggs and combine them with the Ricotta.
• Fold in the grated cheese, basil, parsley and Prosciutto until all is well combined.
• Cover with plastic wrap and keep in fridge until ready to use.
• Using lasagna noodle (if packaged cook to al dente) add enough stuffing on one end and roll up jelly roll style.
• Lay into baking pan that has been greased or coated with cooking spray.
• I use a 9x14" pan which perfectly holds 12 manicotti: 8 down the center and two on each side.
• Spoon the Ragu over the pasta until completely covered.
• Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
• Remove and top with the mozzarella.
• Return to the over for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to completely melt.
• Let stand for about 5 minutes.
• Serve with additional sauce on the side.
• For the Bolognese Ragu (Italian Meat Sauce) You want to use a heavy pot or sauté pan for this, something that holds the heat well.
• This will give you better control when you need to have the sauce just barely simmering.
• Melt the butter in the sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add the next 4 ingredients and sauté until the veggies are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and pork.
• Cook the meat while using the edge of the spoon to break up the meat into small pieces.
• Just before the meat begins to brown add the milk.
• Return the mixture to a slow boil and allow to reduce until the milk has mostly evaporated.
• About 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add the wine, return to a boil and allow the sauce to reduce until the wine is mostly evaporated, another 20 to 30 minutes.
• While the sauce is reducing drain and chop the tomatoes, reserving the juice.
• When the wine has mostly evaporated add the tomatoes, along with the reserved juice, and the red pepper.
• Now you want to reduce the flame until the sauce is barely at a simmer- only a bubble or two at a time breaking the surface.
• Maintain this simmer, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
• This should take about 3 to 4 hours.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• The long, slow simmering gives the meat a melt-in-your mouth quality.
• Don't be daunted by the cooking time, as it only requires you be around to give it a stir from time-to-time.