Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 4 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 (10 ounce) box spinach, thawed & squeezed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese that you've whirled in the blender)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheese (whatever you like)

The All-Important Crusty Topping

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese (combination)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. 1

   Cook pasta according to package directions; drain & set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350; grease a 13x9 pan; set aside.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, melt 3 T of the butter in a large skillet, add the 'shrooms and garlic; saute until mushroom liquid is absorbed; transfer to a large bowl.

4. 4

   Melt remaining tablespoon of butter; drop spinach bits into that and stir to coat--quickly; add this to the mushroom mixture.

5. 5

   Stir in ricotta, parmesan, egg, salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Spoon mixture into a LARGE ziplock bag, snip the corner off and squeeze filling into shells; place shells into prepared pan.

7. 7

   Melt remaining butter, over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth; cook ONE minute to let it become golden brown.

8. 8

   Whisk in half-n-half/cream, cook at medium heat, whisking constantly until it's thick and bubbly; stir in salt; add favorite cheese, stirring well until it is completely melted; pour over stuffed shells.

9. 9

   Toast the bread, cut into small cubes (toast again to get maximum crispiness--without overly BROWNING).

10. 10

    Combine in a bowl, the crumbs with shredded cheese mixture and melted butter; toss this and then sprinkle over the shells.

11. 11

    Bake uncovered for 45 minutes (bubbly).