NOT YOUR ORDINARY STUFFED PIEROGI PASTA SHELLS

My family loves pierogies, so I decided to create my own version. I took these to a Christmas party, and they won rave reviews. When we left the party, I took home an empty pan—not a crumb to be found. I have been asked – can you make your own mashed potatoes – OF Course! Feel free and Season them any way you like!!! I have made mine many times using my own mashed potatoes – I have also been pressed for time and found the refrigerated just as good!

51 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
3 packages (24 ounces each) refrigerated mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place mashed potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes, stirring once. Add the minced onion, onion powder and garlic powder. Stir in 2 cups of cheese until blended.

Stuff into shells. Place in two greased 13×9-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle with green onions and remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until heated through.

NOTES: This is a large recipe – BUT – can easily be cut in half or even quarters!

EASY WAY To fill the shells – Use a scoop OR my favorite a Ziploc bag! Scoop the potatoes into a Ziploc bag cut a hole in the bottom corner and pipe them into the shells. Easy Peasy!!

Those worried about them drying out – Use a little chicken broth or butter or both – pour some into the bottom of the baking pan.

I was very honored to have this, and other recipes published several times in Taste of Home Magazine! Originally published as Not Your Ordinary Stuffed Shells in Taste of Home December/January 2007

Recipe By: Kim Wallace ♥ Smile & Enjoy ♥