BERWYN, Ill. – Join the culinary adventure with the Berwyn Fire Department as they showcase firefighter Mario Manfredini’s mouthwatering recipes: manicotti, meatballs, and garlic bread. Mario, also known as Chef Mario, not only serves the community as a firefighter but tantalizes taste buds with his signature dishes, including his renowned sauce, available at Mario’s Marinara, which supports local firefighting charities.

MARIO’S MANICOTTI

Ingredients:

• 2 28-ounce jars of Mario’s Marinara or Vodka Sauce
• 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry, and chopped fine
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Pinch of fresh ground nutmeg
• 2 boxes of Precook Lasagna Noodles

Preparation:

1. Filling Preparation: Combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, spinach, salt, pepper, basil, and nutmeg in a bowl.
2. Assembly: Soak noodles, spread filling, roll into tubes, and arrange in a baking dish.
3. Cooking: Bake covered, then broil until golden brown.

MARIO’S DROP BALLS

Ingredients:

• 2 28-ounce jars of Mario’s Marinara
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation:

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine panko and milk, then mix beef, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
2. Forming Meatballs: Divide mixture, roll into balls, and place in simmering sauce.
3. Cooking: Simmer covered until meatballs are cooked through.

ROASTED GARLIC BREAD

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat parsley
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• 1 Vienna loaf Italian bread, halved horizontally

Preparation:

1. Roasting Garlic: Remove skin, cut the top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast.
2. Butter Mixture: Combine butter, Parmesan, roasted garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt.
3. Baking: Spread mixture on bread, bake until golden brown, and slice.

Try Mario’s Delights Today!

Indulge in the flavors crafted by Berwyn’s finest. Whether it’s comforting manicotti, savory meatballs, or aromatic garlic bread, Chef Mario’s recipes are sure to delight. For more culinary inspiration, download The Local News App and uncover local treasures like these recipes directly from your phone!

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