Today is your lucky day. You won’t need this manicotti but you’ll probably make it anyway because it tastes so good.
I’m going to share my day with you and you are going to realize that your life is pretty darned good compared to lots of people. I went to visit my mother-in-law who is in an aged care home that I lovingly refer to as the lockup. She’s not capable of looking after herself any more and lives her life in her room or within the confines of the ‘sensitive care’ section of the home.
I arrived around 1pm and found her curled up in the chair in her room. When she saw me, she lit up like a Christmas tree and said, “Oh I knew you’d come today.” I can’t tell you how cool it is to have someone that glad to see you. When I told her that her son had to work and her husband had sore knees and couldn’t come she said that was sad and regrettable and she knew how Rob suffered with his knees.
Then, without taking a breath, she said, “Can we go for coffee?”
The home supplies hot tea but not coffee. Not sure why but that’s how it is. I told her we could do whatever she wanted and off we went. They had a special on in the cafe for a piece of cake and coffee for $5. I’m on a tight budget and that price was right up my alley AND I got cake. The cake slices were huge and the coffee there is always good.
I asked which she wanted and she chose the coffee cheesecake and I got the mudcake. Both were delicious. She ate hers and then took bites of mine. This woman is 4’8″ and weighs about 100 pounds. I have NO idea where she put that much cake but she did. When we were done we decided to go for a walk around the complex. On our second circuit she said, “Could we have another coffee?”
One coffee is enough for me but she had her coffee and then we went back to her room so I could pick up her laundry and (2) broken hearing aids. Yes it was a struggle to be understood but hopefully not much longer.
She walked me to the door of the locked unit and said she wanted to walk me to the front door and I told her she had to stay there. She looked at me and said, “You realize this is prison, don’t you? It’s not fair.”
I kissed her and told her I knew but there was nothing I could do about the living arrangements. Then, without skipping a beat, she got the biggest smile across her face and laughed and said, “I can’t remember your name but I know how much I love you. I don’t know what I’d have done without you through all this.”
And there you have it. We don’t realize how lucky we are that we have all our faculties, our independence, our families and a real life. I came away on top of the world and knew I wanted to go home and make manicotti.
One bit of housekeeping. I’ve been trying to keep to a posting schedule of every other day and that’s going to have to change for a while. I’m going through some personal issues and I need to cut back on the posts. I’ll still be here and I’ll continue to visit your blogs every time you make a new post and I’ll update my blog as often as I’m able.
Now you Italian folks, don’t judge me. This is what my mother made and I loved it but she was French Canadian. I’m sure it’s not proper Italian and I don’t care.
- 3 cups of your favorite pasta sauce with meat (beef or pork)
- 1 package fresh lasagna sheets or 1 package of manicotti shells (I used lasagna sheets - easier to stuff)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large clove of garlic, minced
- 1 small package of baby spinach
- 1 medium container ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- If you are using dried pasta, cook according to package directions and plunge into cold water, drain and toss around on an oiled baking sheet.
- Saute the chopped onion and garlic in a teaspoon of olive oil until translucent. Set aside to cool in a large bowl.
- Preheat oven 180C/350F
- To the bowl of onions, add the spinach, ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- With remaining oil, brush a baking dish well and then add 1½ cups of the pasta sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill the manicotti tubes or place a line of mixture on a piece of lasagna sheet and roll. (this is way easier than stuffing I think) Then place on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the cheese has turned golden and the sauce is bubbling through.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes and the cheese won't be quite so stringy and easier to serve.
Hi Maureen! Your Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti with Meat Sauce looks absolutely delicious! That’s such a lovely story, and has made me think deeply on several things. It’s so lovely of you to spend the love and time with your mother in law. She’s very lucky to have you. Wishing you the best and looking forward to viewing more of your awesome posts, pics and recipes soon. Have a great week! 🙂
That’s a touching story. And I hope everything is OK with you. It’s always lovely to have you visit my blog, but if you need time for yourself, take time for yourself. Anyway, I haven’t made — or even eaten — manicotti in ages. This looks terrific, and I don’t care if it’s “authentic” as long as it’s good. This looks good. Thanks.
My Great Aunt Amy went through something very similar in her last years – hated the care she needed, loved the people who knew she required. I adored her, and hated to leave her after our visits. It’s ever so hard to go through – for all involved. I’m sending you sprinkles and squeezes…
Such a touching story. I really should “adopt” a person from our closest home. Breaks my heart when I think of them lonely. So wonderful that she has you. Now, about this meal = omg, sounds delicious.
What a sweet story.
And the manicotti looks divine.
Thanks for sharing.
Such a lovely story. Your mother in law is lucky to have you. You are such a blessing for her! =)
Your recipe sounds so good!! I love pasta dishes like this, and such a great combination of flavors!!
I hope you are doing well, I’m sending big hugs!
Lovely story! And, a delicious-looking recipe. Can’t wait to try! When I’ve made manicotti before, I put the filling in a zipper bag and snip off one of the corners. Stick the corner in the manicotti, and squeeze the filling in!
Maureen, your story about your afternoon with your mother-in-law broke my heart as it made me remember my own mom’s last 18 months. Gorgeous manicotti. I have no mozzarella or ricotta but I do have spinach, home made marinara sauce and pasta of various kinds. Hopefully something good will come of it all.
Your post inspired me to use the crepe batter I had made yesterday and make something similar with my leftovers. Thank you. 🙂
What a lovely story, Maureen! Good for you. It is these moments that makes life real. Service is so important to our fellow man. And, this recipe looks DIVINE!
Hugs to you
Valerie
Words from your Mother in Law made me cry and smile at the same time. She loves you so dearly. And it is refreshing to see how you make time for her. I liked you as a blogger, Maureen. I love you for who you are. Hugs.
I will read the recipe after I am able to get a hold the emotions I am feeling right now.
Maureen this looks like the perfect dinner for me and will at the moment and it’s Italian to me. I hope you are ok xx
Whether this called manicotti, folded lasagne sheets or cannelloni, either way looks delicious. As you said I don’t need to make this, but I probably will.
I so don’t need to make this but lasagne is on the shopping list for tomorrow. Can’t wait. GG
A touching story indeed. I relate to this post on so many levels as I have a loved one in an assisted living home, and you’re right, we need to count our blessings while we still have all our faculties to enjoy them. Do as you need, Maureen, because it’s not always about the food, and we’ll be here when you’re ready. I loved the nod to your mother’s ‘not proper Italian’ preparation—the Manicotti looks sensational!
Your mancotti is soulful and comforting…Just like the care your provided your mother in law. Wishing you the best through these tough times.
Velva
I can only echo what others have said, Maureen. Your Mother-in-law is lucky to have you in her life. As one who just took spent some time away from the blogosphere, I say take as much time as you need. We’ll be here, patiently waiting for your return. If your manicotti taste half as good as they looks, they must be delicious!
This is an awesome recipe and I am so happy that I have reconnected with you again.
Pasta is my comfort food, and I love the addition of spinach here.
Your mother-in-law is lucky have you. Thanks for the different perspective. It helps to think of others when we’re in the midst of our own woes. Will be thinking of you!
Dearest Maureen… you are a remarkable person, do you know that! You really are. And your family is so lucky to have you there for them… sometimes we continue doing the things we do just because, even when we really should be focusing on our own selves. That makes you a very special lady. Keep in touch my friend and let me know if I can do anything at all. xo PS thank you for a delicious recipe!
I didn’t write this post to say I’m wonderful. I was very moved by the experience and it showed me how lucky I am. Times might be difficult but it’s just temporary. Her problems will take her to her grave. sad.
I know exactly what you mean about being blessed. I was not locked up per se. But in 2001 I had a very serious back injury that kept me flat on my stomach in bed for five and a half months in such incredible pain from nerve damage there are no words to describe. I was told by doctors I may never walk again.
Long story short I did heal and despite some pain still, I appreciate every step I take. I never complain about headaches or pain any more. I can walk without even a cane most days.
And I am glad of that cause I can make that fantastic Manicotti recipe you shared above.
Next time you see you MIL tell her “Hi” for me.
It is very hard to find what to say, when I have a huge lump in my throat. My Mom is 90 years old, we talk every Sunday. She is now convinced that she wants to go to a nursing home, and well… we all feel it is going to be the beginning of the end for her.
anyway, like others, I am in awe of what you do for your family, and would like to give you a big hug
I want this for dinner!!
A very dear friend is going through something similar with her parents and it’s so hard for everyone especially in those rare moments of lucidity. It really does make you count your blessings.
I hope everything is OK with you Maureen.
And anything with bolognese, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and pasta in qualifies as Italian!
Hi Maureen, your mother in law sounds like a wonderful woman and you sound like a wonderful daughter in law. Beautiful dish.
Maureen, you are spoiling me with this manicotti. I love how saucy it is, major yum!
That’s so lovely that you went to visit your MIL. It sounds like you both gained tremendously from the visit. I can’t believe your MIL is so tiny! I would feel like a Neanderthal beside her! It’s so sweet that she couldn’t remember your name but she could remember how special you are to her – that gave me a lump in my throat. I do love the look of your dinner – it looks nourishing and filling and comforting – and who cares if it’s not authentically Italian – it looks fine by me! xx
Maureen ~ you cannot look after anyone ere you look after yourself first: that is not being ‘selfish’ – that is being ‘sensible’. All the very best!!
I loved reading this story and what a delicious looking manicotti recipe!
I think this is a story to re-read on days where we forget how lucky we are. Your poor mother-in-law – but as she said, thank goodness for you. And those prices for coffee and cake are very impressive! I bet she could have tucked a good serve of these manicotti shells away too.
Maureen, this post touched my heart. You’re so right — perspective has a way of making us stop griping and start counting our blessings, over and over. Not to segue away from that thought, but your manicotti looks superb. Take care. xo
hm… I understand how she must feel. it’s sad but what to do?
Oh and I don’t care either if it’s real Italian or not because seriously Italians will always complain about an Italian like dish and say that it’s not Italian. Even if it’s North Italian or whatever! I am hungry now 🙂
I loved the way you wrote this maureen. I hope you are going to look after yourself because we know that we will miss you if but please get better. x
Yes PUUURRLLLEEAASSEE! I am an elite athlete who runs a LOT of miles, so I am always looking for new ways to enjoy my carbs, without the same old meals. This would be PERFECT post run! Thank you!
You are so right Maureen, we do live a charmed life and we are so incredibly fortunate. How lovely that your MIL is the happy and positive sort, it makes it such a lovely experience for everyone. My Mom was like that too, always happy and grateful, even during the later times when it was incredibly difficult. She had a lovely thing to say, every time we visited, “Thank you for loving me” I still think of it all the time and it still makes me smile.
I can see whey this manicotti is the perfect marriage of flavours and textures and you’re right, I have no idea of its authenticity but a delicious dish like this really doesn’t matter, it’s just damn good.
I hope everything works out for you and I’ll be thinking of you and sending you happy thoughts. XOXO
Oh I wish she was always happy and grateful. Most of the time she’s angry and going to top herself if we don’t get her out of there.
Lovely story. thanks for sharing.
Comforting dishes as this one make me feel so warm and happy. Love everything about it.
“I can’t remember your name but I know how much I love you. I don’t know what I’d have done without you through all this.” those words – they melted my heart too!
Maureen – my dad had to be placed in a “nursing home” too as he needs 24/7 care, my daughter and I visit him on the weekends – some days are bad but some days are GREAT – like this past Sunday – he was so happy to sit outside in the sun and get to eat mexican and not the food there. I see what he is going through and your words are truer than ever – “We don’t realize how lucky we are that we have all our faculties, our independence, our families and a real life”!
You know exactly what I Mean!
Delicious looking comfort dish.
I think we all need to be reminded of what is important and how truly lucky we are to have our health and independence. A great post Maureen. I also hope that you’re ok, we love you and want the best for you 🙂
Thanks, Lorraine, I’m fine. I just have a lot on my plate at the moment.
You are obviously a very good daughter-in-law Maureen and I hope someone is looking after you in your time of need. And some days authenticity in food doesn’t matter all that much – just so long as it tastes great!
My mom often made manicotti when I was growing up. This brings back fond memories!
You are one of the most thoughtful and caring person I know hoping to meet you in person some day.
Aww, I doubt that, Norma but I’m so eager to meet you!
Oh Maureen, what a lovely thing for her to say to you. XO It must’ve meant a great deal. You are so kind to care for her even though she doesn’t remember you. XO This dish sounds amazingly comforting and good.
Maybe it’s just that I’m the one who visits most often 🙂
What a great post Maureen! My own mother is in assisted living and whenever I’m able to drive the 1000 miles to see her, she is SO happy. When call her she is just sitting looking at the birds. It’s sad, but she can’t live alone and she won’t move out here. I love yours story. Sounds like you have a very sweet MIL! Oh Yea – this is my kind of food! Love this manicotti dish!
OH my MIL can be a terror but not to me. She tried it on once and I walked out on her and said I wasn’t listening to that rubbish. She can’t remember my name but she knows if she’s shitty, I’m outta there. 🙂
It’s wonderful to have that much love coming your way Maureen! I hope everything’s ok, and look forward to hearing from you when you can xox
Thank you, lovey!
such a comforting dish!
This post breaks my heart, yet is so beautiful at the same time. Thank God she has you. Not every older figure in our world has someone who loves them enough to visit often…and share their cake. You are a gem.
I worry about older people. I see the other people in the home and they’re always alone. This is a great place with lots of activities and outings, massage, hair stylists, coffee shop, etc. but not having visitors makes a difference. They feel abandoned and I suppose they have been.
What a touching post, Maureen! I can just imagine the sweet moment you and your MIL were both enjoying the company, sipping your coffee and eating your cakes. Sending a big hug your way. XO BTW, I also made manicotti this past weekend 🙂
Kindred spirits !
<3
Proper Schmoper! I don’t care if it’s not proper Italian either, it looks delicious. And you’re so right Maureen, there’s way too much we take for granted. Hope you’re doing okay 🙂
Proper schmoper? I love it !
I’m fine. Lots to deal with but getting there.
What a beautiful story…. It really makes me realise how lucky I am too!!! Your recipe looks so homely and comforting. Thanks for sharing… And look after yourself!
Such a sweet, but sad, story. This manicotti is total comfort food! I want to dive into that cheesy pasta-filled platter!
Maureen, I hope you are ok and whatever issues you have to deal with, will solve out soon, sending hugs and prayers your way!
We had to admit my mom to a nursing facility for the three months before she died. She suffered from dementia. It was the hardest three months of my life! Your mother-in-law is lucky to have you.
Your manicotti looks wonderfully delicious!
Then you know what we’re facing every time we go there. She doesn’t belong there, wants to go home, people are mean, she has nothing to wear, the food is awful, I can’t go outside, etc. The others handle her differently but I say, “if you’re going to do nothing but complain and be unhappy when I come, then I’ll go back to work.” I only had to leave once. 🙂
Delicious!
How sweet Maureen.You are such a warm soul. Blessed to know you. I am a pasta lover let alone pasta smothered with cheese and spinach. I love your manicotti version. It looks incredible
don’t see my comment I just left! Just wanted to say lovely story and Love this Manicotti! Its my favorite type of pasta
Maureen, what a sweet relationship you have with your ma-in-law. My gran was a tiny little thing but could put food away too. My mother always said “Your gran has the appetite of a bird – a flippin’ eagle!” 🙂
Loving the French Canadian Italian American Australian Manicotti! Hope you are well and looking after yourself!
LOL I’ll have to remember that for the next FIL meal. If she eats a lot, he’s off the planet. 🙂
I find it so hard when our parents get older. My folks are in their eighties and really should not be living on their own as my mum has Parkinson’s and my dad is starting to get very forgetful but there is no space to be found anywhere in a home!They want to go as they realise it would be so much better for them. We try to do as much as we can but we all still have to work and earn money, so it’s tough… That was such a sweet story of your mother in law.. 😉
And that manicotti looks fabulous!
Your manicotti Maureen is every bit as gorgeous then what we ate in Italy! Pure indulgence and have to try it soon. What a sweet story with your darling mother-in-law. My mom resides in an assisted living home and know how sad is for her when after our visit she can’t leave with us. Corina and I call her almost every day so she is part of our lives via skype. Hope Maureen everything will be just fine with you 🙂
Cheers,
J
What a sweet story. Makes me miss my mom. She would always light up when I came to visit too. The manicotti looks fantastic! Hope you’re feeling better soon.
Damn, Maureen. You brought a tear to my eye. I totally understand the need to make manicotti and I hope you ate a lot. Hope all is OK and that you have someone taking care of you as much as you are taking care of your mother in law.
Aw, your MIL sounds like a sweet, sweet lady. Bless you for being there for her! Loving your manicotti…traditional or not, my family would love it! Take good care of yourself, my friend!!!
Maureen, I wish you what ever you need to get through what ever you are facing! Blog when you can – life is way more important. Thank you for sharing this story. Tandy
Oh Maureen……what a touching post….and it breaks my heart to know that people who ought to be together in the moon years of their lives have to be apart because the body gives up…..blog when you can Maureen, no need to even apologize. I realized about an year ago that it works to get the pressure off. I blog when I can, and I have come to a happy space. It does mean I might not end up having those thousands of readers that I dreamt of when I started, but I have made really meaningful blogging relationships that mean the world to me. The manicotti looks fabulous!
What a great reminder to be thankful for everything that we have. Thanks, Maureen. Great recipe, too! Makes me hungry 🙂
I can see myself eating about half of that dish! 🙂 ela
It was good and I ate your half, sorry!
Dear Maureen, As one of those Italian folks, I think this is wonderful!!! I love these dishes and you are spectacular. I would love to try everything you post. Though, I know you are half-way around the world from me. I wish I could share a cup of coffee with you.
I do know what you mean and counting our blessings is very important.
I know.
I will keep you and yours in my prayers and I hope all is well with you.
Blessings dearest. Catherine xo
Oh Catherine, at least you didn’t correct my recipe. 🙂 Much love!
Oh Maureen….. do take good care – of you now! Will miss your writing – thinking of you.
Dear Maureen, I am not sure if my comment took, so I am commenting again.
This recipe is wonderful! I love all that you make and wish you were closer to try everything! However, I will dream.
I agree that counting our blessings is essential and important to realize how blessed we are.
I will keep you and yours in my prayers and hope that all is well with you.
Blessings dearest. Catherine xo
I so want some serving of those, just look at that pasta! I cant stop staring on it.
Anyways what ever those personal issues are best of luck to you and hope youre doing all OK
Thanks, Raymund!
Awe Maureen my heart goes out to you, but I’m so happy you can be there for your mother in law. I watched my dad go through issues when is cancer hit his brain, it’s hard to watch those you love go through it. So you have all my love and support my friend. Take all the time you need for your personal time. We all need it. Life first, everything else second.
This manicotti is going to the top of my to make list. Absolutely gorgeous.
Oh Kim, I do understand. It’s really tough to watch someone you love suffer.
Hi Maureen – what a touching post! You are a wonderful daughter in law for opening your heart to your MIL. It must be difficult for both of you. My mom is in her early 80s and I often fear what lies ahead, but I suppose there is no point in worrying. I hope everything goes well – you will be in my thoughts. Take good care:)
Yes, it faces us all. I hope your mother stays healthy and ‘with it’.
What a beautiful story Maureen. I understand how hard it is to deal with parents in care but you are brightening your mother in law’s day and I can imagine her sweet smile which you described so well. You have to keep putting in the effort even through at times you want to pull your hair out. A wonderful and rewarding visit on your behalf and so appropriate to share one of your mother’s recipes on the same blog. Great recipe too, an incredibly good version and one I have already printed to cook. Thank you and keep smiling 😀
It definitely is rewarding and nobody wants to be put in a care facility and forgotten. If you don’t visit, I think it’s possible that they don’t get the same treatment. Thanks heaps for visiting.
Maureen, your mother-in-law sounds like she still has most of her ‘faculties’ if she knows she ‘wants her cake’! Thank god she has family like you to look after her. It’s hard for me to believe that one day my faculties may dwindle and I’ll no longer be able to cook (and do modern dance)!
As long as we keep exercising our brains and our bodies we should be fine. MIL most decidedly does not have her faculties. With Alzheimer’s everyone is different and different parts of the brain are affected.
This will be great in these cold days. Thank you for great recipes.
I really appreciate your visit, Sanaa!
You are a lovely person Maureen. I have had the privilege of taking care of several aged family members. It is a wonderful/sad experience. You also cook some amazing looking dishes!
It can be very rewarding, Tricia and it can also be a lot of work. Take care of yourself because it’s not always easy, especially when they’re grumpy. 🙂
What a great story! It’s so nice to be make someone’s life better! This looks delicious too!
Maureen, you brought tears to my eyes…I have no words to share at the moment…
Hope you are okay and everything turns out good in whatever you have to deal with…positive thought going to you!
She’s lucky to have you Maureen, my grandma was in one and I know she appreciated our visits. This seems like a lovely comfort meal, any kind of twist on spaghetti bolognaise and I’m happy 🙂
Krissie x – http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com.au
I try to tell her she’s lucky. 🙂 Thanks for coming by, Krissie, I hope to catch up again one day soon for another picnic!
Oh, this brought tears to my eyes, so lovely, loving, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. She is so lucky to have you in her life to bring joy to her occasionally and you are lucky to have someone who hugs you and makes you happy and loved. Wonderful. And now I want to make manicotti.
Everyone needs someone to love them, don’t they? Even me.
How I wish I had magical powers to blink this for dinner tonight. I caught my kid’s cold and cooking is the last thing on my mind… but I want to feed my belly with comfort food like this. 🙂
WOW, this looks A – MA – ZING!! Delicious and comforting – and now I’m craving it!
You are a very special person! Wish I was closer so I could bake up a 10 pound mudcake with you to bring to your mom-in-law. This looks so good–it has been too long since I made manicotti. Thinking about you!
Aw what a sweet story 🙂 It’s amazing how a little of your time can brighten someone else’s day.
Whether or not this is “proper” manicotti, it looks delicious! I’m a sucker for any pasta dish. I hope everything is ok with you. I’m impressed that you were even able to post every other day…I can barely make once a week 😉
Haha, I do make Japanese style Italian dish too. Don’t we all adjust the food in a way so it’s easy to introduce new food to family, and easier to get ingredients out side of the country where the food is originated from. 🙂 This looks delicious and very comforting – love family meal like this!