Busy week....

So it has been a busy week in the Ungaro household. It was the last week of the school year and my oldest little girl graduated from Kindergarten!! But, enough of the excuses.....the week is ending and I am back.

So today I am posting one of my all time favorite recipes. It is SO popular in our house. It is a healthier version, though difficult to stick to the proper portion. Here is my wonderful Turkey Lasagna Recipe that I will be making 2 batches of tomorrow.......

"Quiet the Kids" Turkey Lasagna

Ingredients:
10 Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
1lb All white Ground Turkey
2 Jars Pasta Sauce
15oz container Part Skim Ricotta
16oz Part Skim Mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 egg whites lightly beaten
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 or 2 garlic cloves minced

Preheat oven to 375. Cook noodles as directed, drain, rinse and separate. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute. Add turkey and cook just until browned (will cook through in oven). Add 1 1/2 jars of sauce to turkey and simmer for 5 minutes. In a large bowl combine ricotta, 12 oz of Mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg whites. Mix well. Spray 13x9" baking dish w/ cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup of sauce over bottom of the dish. Place 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/2 cheese mixture over noodles and cover with half of the meat sauce. Repeat with 3 noodles, cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover last layer with last of the noodles and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

12-15 servings (calories and fat will vary slightly based on brands chosen)
12: 379 calories, 13 grams of fat
15: 303 calories, 10 grams of fat

Though this is not the healthiest meal you could eat, if you are a pasta lover, it is a wonderful alternative to traditional lasagna. Pasta dishes are always an easy sell in our house and if my kids are eating well (and quietly) then I am happy. Just be sure to stick to the portion of your choice and add a side salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette. Kraft's light Balsamic Vinaigrette has only 25 calories in 2 tbsp. Hope you enjoy it.......

Until my next post...........

Tip #4: www.my-calorie-counter.com This tool can be a little tedious, but I use it almost daily to keep track of what I am eating. It is free, but to get all the "bells and whistles" there is a monthly charge. I have been using it for free on and off for a year and I love it!! If you can commit, its a great way to help hold yourself accountable of what you are putting in your body. Also tracks your activity for the day. Its food list isn't as great as calorie kings so I use them together and it has been working wonderfully so far.