I’ve had 1/2 a package of dried manicotti shells in the pantry just calling my name. I also had some Spicy Italian Sausage I got on sale for $2 bucks!! I was a bit worried about the spice being too much for the kids, but honestly, it was perfect! I think the egg, cheese and spinach tone it down just enough. Even the baby cleaned her plate!

Did I mention, corn was on sale for $.29 an ear. Great deal for this time of year. Probably not the sweetest, but there are tricks to give your corn great flavor. No matter what, fresh corn beats frozen or canned, any day of the week!

Spicy Sausage Manicotti:

10 manicotti shells – $1.83 ($3.65 per pkg of 24 shells)
1 package (6) Spicy Italian sausage links – $2.00
1/2 diced yellow onion – $.25
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – $.75
1 cup Cheddarella cheese, shredded – $.75
1 large jar Pasta Sauce – $1.19
1 can diced tomato (I like the ones with basil added) – $.69
2 handfuls fresh spinach, chopped – $.50
2 eggs – $.66
1/4 tsp. pepper – pantry
1 garlic, minced – pantry
1/2 tsp. salt – pantry
1 tsp dried basil flake – pantry
1/2 tsp oregano

COST: $8.62

Cook manicotti till slightly al dente. They’re easier to stuff.

Slice or chop sausage links. No special size in particular, just bite size and don’t worry about getting nice slices or cuts. You just want it broken up.

In large skillet, cook sausage till done and nicely browned. Next, add onion, saute for 3 mins. Add garlic, can tomato and spinach. Stir and cover. Cook for a few minutes or till spinach is cooked down.

Add herb and salt and pepper, mix and set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 350 and prepare corn while you wait for oven to heat and mixture to cool. See below for corn hints.

Once meat mixture is cool, add parmesan, 1/2 of your shredded cheddarella and both eggs. Mix well and then stuff cooked manicotti. Lay one by one in roasting pan. Cover manicotti with pasta sauce, making sure it gets down in the sides. You may not need the whole jar, but you should at least use 3/4’s of it.

Cover and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese and cook for 5-10 more mins uncovered. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Perfect Corn on the Cob:

1. Fill your pot with water
2. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, more if you are doing more than 4-5 qts of water.
3. Place in cleaned, fresh corn.
4. Bring water and corn to a boil.
5. Boil for 5 minutes (4 ears/cobs or less) / 8 minutes (5-10 ears/cobs).
6. Remove from heat as soon as 5 mins are up.  If not eating immediately, remove from water and let cool or corn will get overcooked.
7. That’s it! Just butter, salt and enjoy!

COST: Great sale – $.29 each ($1.16 for 4 ears)

GRAND TOTAL: $9.78