spinach stuffed pasta shells + 2012 election

i can't believe the election is already over. what a cycle this year! i have seen plenty of posts about people's opinions, and while i think it's great to hear a range of beliefs, i am not interested in the hatred and extremism that some choose to post. 

so instead, i'll post this little blurb below and then a recipe. enjoy!

all that i can think after studying political science, working 

in political offices in washington dc, salt lake city, 

and london, & having a lifelong love of politics is this:

what unites our country is so much bigger and more important than anything that divides us. i hope we can all realize that and focus on that. when it comes down to it, cynics didn't build this country..optimists did. i believe in our country and what is possible for it.

anyway, there you have it. on to some good food: we made this healthy recipe this week and it was delicious! it might not seem healthy, but the substitutions and amounts make it delicious and nutritious!

spinach stuffed pasta shells

Ingredients

 -12 jumbo pasta shells

- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach (thawed & drained)

- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese

-1/2 cup mozzerella cheese, grated

-1 (8 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

-salt and pepper

-1 cup prepared pasta sauce

-1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese  

Directions
1. preheat oven to 375.
2. cook the shells according to package directions, and drain them well.
3. in a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and tomatoes. season to taste with salt & pepper.
4. spread 1/4 cup of the sauce on the bottom of an 8" by 11" baking pan.
5. stuff each shell with about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture.
6. pour the remaining pasta sauce over the shells.
7. cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the shells are heated through.

enjoy!

xo