BIRTHDAY LASAGNA

This is the ONLY way to make lasagna in my book. After trying this there was no way I could go back to the traditional way. This is the best lasagna I have ever tried EVER!! Do not leave out the wine and raisins, or this will be a totally different recipe. The wine gives sooooooo much flavor, the alcohol cooks out so dont worry...:)
Oh and half everything because this recipe makes 2 pan fulls. will post a pic later!


Ingredients
2 (26 ounce) jars meatless spaghetti sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup Burgundy wine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 lbs Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed (I just use 2lbs pre ground Italian turkey instead, so I dont have to bother removing casings from links)
3/4 cup raisins
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1 1/2 lbs sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 (15 ounce) cartons ricotta cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 (24 ounce) packages frozen cheese ravioli, thawed
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
18 slices provolone cheese, cut in half
6 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
5 large tomatoes, slice

Directions
1. In a Dutch oven, bring first five ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring often.
2.In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in raisins and Italian seasoning; add to sauce. In the same skillet, saute mushrooms and onion until moisture has evaporated. Stir into sauce. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, spinach and grated Parmesan; set aside.
3. In each of two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes, layer 1-1/3 cups sauce, half of a package of ravioli, 1-1/3 cups sauce, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan, six half slices of provolone, 1 cup Monterey Jack and 2-1/2 cups spinach mixture.
4. Top each with six half slices of provolone, 1 cup Monterey Jack, 1-1/3 cups sauce, remaining ravioli and sauce, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan, six half slices of provolone, sliced tomatoes and remaining Monterey Jack (dishes will be full).
5. Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD

I made this yesterday and thought it was worthy of a post. It is really good but I love avocados. I only used 3/4 c. mayo in the dressing, and next time I will add another avocado to the dressing. But this is definatly something I would make again. If you make this the avocados tend to mash in with everything when you mix them in because they are so soft....its ok if they dont stay in perfectly diced form.

3 cups cooked, diced chicken
3 cups cooked white rice
2 avocados, peeled, diced, and tossed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Avocado Dressing:
1 large avocado, peeled and mashed with 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
Thick, crusty bread, multi-grain or sourdough, for serving
Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions
Salad:

Mix all ingredients and chill. Pass with avocado dressing.

Dressing:

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Chill and serve alongside chicken salad.