The object that is important to me and represents my culture is Manicotti. It’s from Italy. I usually eat this food on special occasions like birthdays or holidays like Easter or Christmas. Usually it’s my mom who cooks it because she is one of the best cookers in my family, and she does it perfectly. This food reminds me of actually being in Italy since I haven’t been there in my life and I’m from there. My whole dad's side of the family is from Italy.This dish is important to my family because it is something that my whole family enjoys and what brings us together. The history behind my object is that everyone in Italy eats this particular food. Manicotti is pronounced in Italian like this (man-eh-cott) without the “i” at the end. Americans might say it the way it’s spelled with the “i”. This dish is tube shaped and can be stuffed with many things mostly like cheese, sauce, and meats. This dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings.Here are ingredients and step by step to make this dish.Ingredients:Crepe noodles (outside shell)● 1-½ cups all purpose flour● 1 cup of milk● 3 large eggs● ½ teaspoon saltFilling (inside shell)● 1-½ pounds of ricotta cheese● ¼ cup grated romano cheese (optional)● 1 large egg● 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes● 1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauceTry it at home. It is delicious!

– Giovanni Loiacono

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