LASAGNA WITH TURKEY SAUSAGE

This recipe makes lasagna acceptable for a diabetic's diet. Remember to control your portion size! And leave off the garlic bread. This recipe as is has almost equal carbs and proteins, that is good for diabetics.

9 uncooked whole-wheat lasagna noodles (or your favorite low-carb)
1 carton (15-oz) ricotta cheese
1 tbsp spoon dried basil
1 egg, beaten
16-oz shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, divided
1 lb Italian turkey sausage, cooked, crumbled, drained
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
5 cups low-sugar or sugar-free spaghetti sauce (yes, it is available)
1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish, if desired

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.

While noodles cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, basil, egg and 1 cup of the mozzarella; mix together well.

In a small bowl, combine the sausage and bell pepper.

Spread 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with 3 of the cooked noodles. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the spaghetti sauce over the noodles. Top with half the ricotta mixture then half the sausage/pepper mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Top with 3 noodles, 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining sausage mixture, 3 noodles then remaining spaghetti sauce. Cover tightly with foil.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Uncover dish; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Uncover and let stand 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings

Per serving: 380 calories, 25 g total carbs, 2 g sugar, 24 g protein

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