Tortellini Casserole, Caesar Salad, & Chocolate Cake

Dinner by Lauren

Lauren's Tortellini Casserole

• 2 9oz package frozen cheese tortellini
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• 2 bags frozen vegetables- I use these
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded part skim mozzarella cheese divided in half

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil
2. Cook tortellini according to package
3. Meanwhile defrost the vegetables by microwaving half of the time on the package
4. Add fresh spinach during the last minute of cook tome to the pasta water
5. Drain pasta and spinach
6. In a large bowl; stir together tortellini, spinach, vegetables, marinara, parmesan, and half of the mozzarella.
7. Pour into a casserole dish
8. Cover with remaining mozzarella
9. Bake at 350 for 30 min

This dish can be made in advance and baked when ready to use.

Gunter Family Chocolate Cake

• 1 1/2 Cups plus 2 tablespoons Flour
• 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Cup Cocoa
• 1/2 Cup Shortening
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 Eggs

Sift together dry ingredients. Add the shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat with mixer on slow to medium speed for 2 minutes. Add th 2 unbeaten eggs and beat 2 more minutes. pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch layer pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 min.

Chocolate Icing

• 7 Tablespoons Milk, heated
• 1/2 Cups Cocoa
• 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
• 1 Box Powdered Sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Cream together cocoa and butter. add milk and sugar alternating. Use only enough milk to make a nice spreading consistency. Add salt and vanilla. Blend until smooth.