Snow Day Lunch 'n Craft

Another year has come and gone and a new year has just begun. I'm almost certain I didn't make that up. The week or two after the holidays always seems like the most depressing, but why dwell on the mistakes you made in 2011? Nothing can be done about it now. I'm not ordinarily one who puts much stock in resolutions, but for the sake of Little Dinner Party, we'll say that I am. Welcome to the new look and feel of Little Dinner Party. My 2012 resolution was to keep this up and running and to update more frequently. Due to overwhelming and slightly embarrassing responses from friends and family during the holidays, I invite you to an express edition of the blog; one cheap and easy dish and one simple craft idea. Enjoy! 

Manicotti Per Due, For One

What twenty three year old guy doesn't ask for bakeware for Christmas? Good thing my mom knows my taste exactly: interesting dishes that serve only one. (This cuts down on obligatory sharing).  When I unwrapped this on Christmas morning, I spilled my bloody mary, because I was drunk. While trying to soak the vodka and tomato juice from mom's white carpet, it occurred to me that this orange dish would be perfect for a single serving of manicotti. Having never made manicotti, I invented this "semi-homemade"-version for your delight. 

You will Need the Following: 

6 manicotti shells

7 oz whole milk Ricotta Cheese

1 Egg

1.5 c shredded Italian cheese blend

1/2 pack frozen spinach (drained and thawed)

1 t-spoon dried basil

1/2 jar store-bought pasta sauce

Salt and Pepper

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350. Boil and drain manicotti shells. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix together ricotta cheese with 1 cup shredded cheese, spinach, basil and egg (slightly beaten). Begin heating sauce.  

Step 3: Pour half of sauce into baking dish. With a small spoon, fill manicotti shells with cheese mixture. Arrange manicottis in a single layer in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 

Step 4: Cover top of manicotti with left over shredded cheese and return to the oven uncovered for 5-10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. 

Reused Basket Wine Rack

I'm always so impressed by a person's self-control when I see that they have a wine rack in their apartment holding unopened bottles. I myself can't keep booze or sweets around without fiendish temptation. Wine racks are an excellent way of telling the world, you have class. A great reason for making a wine rack is that now the cheap wine you somehow acquired during the holidays can become a lovely home accent. 

You Will Need the Following: 

Any basket of any sort

Wine bottles (full or empty)

Take this. 

And these. 

And do this.