MANICOTTI STUFFED WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, SPINACH & RICOTTA

Serves: 5-7

INGREDIENTS
1 small butternut squash
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp sage
3 C spinach, chopped
1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 handful fresh chives, chopped
8-oz pkg. manicotti (14 manicotti)
½ recipe Tofu Ricotta (recipe below) or soy-free version
1 jar marinara sauce

Tofu Ricotta

14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 C Daiya Mozzarella shreds

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425. Slice the butternut squash in half,
place on a baking sheet and lightly brush with the olive
oil. I used a rimmed baking sheet and added some water
to the pan to help keep the squash from drying out. Roast
30-45 minutes, or until the squash is softened. Lower the
oven temperature to 375.

Meanwhile, to prepare the ricotta, place all the ingredients,
except the Daiya cheese, in a food processor and process
until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.

Combine the spinach with the basil and chives.

When the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, scoop
it out into a bowl and mash well. Season with salt, pepper
and sage. (This is also a good time to get the water boiling
for the pasta). Mix half ricotta mixture into the butternut
squash and stir to thoroughly combine. Fold in the spinach
and mix well. Store the rest of the tofu ricotta in an airtight
container and save for another meal. You can freeze it.

Be sure to NOT overcook the pasta---they'll split easily and
you won't be able to stuff them. I had a couple start to split,
so keep an eye on them. And don't worry about them being under
cooked because they will continue to cook and soften in the
oven. After I drained the pasta, I poured them out onto a large
baking sheet, otherwise, they'll stick together in the colander
and you don't want that. The best way to stuff these would be
with your freshly cleaned hands, but first, pour about 1/3 of
the marinara on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Next. stuff
each manicotti roll with filling and place in the pan.

Pour the remaining sauce on top, covering all of the manicotti.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!