Mexican Manicotti

8 manicotti shells
1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup cooked chicken
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sliced or chopped ripe olives
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cook and drain manicotti according to package directions.

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, chicken, onions, olives, red pepper, cilantro and garlic. Mix well. Fill manicotti with mixture and place in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

Combine salsa with tomato sauce, mixing well. Spoon over manicotti. Cover tightly and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove cover and continue baking for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with cheese, if desired and bake 3 minutes longer until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings

Mexican Manicotti

1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 cup refried beans
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
8 manicotti shells
1 1/4 cup water
1 (8 ounce) can picanté or taco sauce
8 ounces dairy sour cream
1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
1/4 cup sliced, pitted ripe olives
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Combine ground beef, refried beans, oregano and cumin; mix well. Fill UNCOOKED manicotti shells with meat mixture. Arrange in a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish. Combine water and picanté sauce or taco sauce; pour over manicotti shells. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 325 degrees F for at least one hour until pasta is tender.

Combine sour cream, scallion and olives. Spoon down the center of the casserole; top with cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Microwave instructions: After pouring water and sauce over shells, cover with vented plastic wrap. Cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, half-turning the dish once. Using tongs, turn shells over. Cook, covered, on MEDIUM for 17 to 19 minutes or until pasta is tender, giving dish a half-turn once.

Combine sour cream, scallion and olives. Spoon down center of casserole; top with cheese. Cook, uncovered, on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Makes 4 servings.