Happy 10th Anniversary

My mom always made lasagna for New Year's Eve; my dad was part Italian. I loved it and kept the tradition when I got married. We make it every year. About 6 years ago, when Teresa got married, we got her a noodle maker and a 2nd one for us. Then we started making our noodles from scratch. Yum!

Lasagna (from Betty Crocker cookbook) with variations
1 pound bulk Italian sausage or hamburger (sometimes we add pepperoni too)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) / Optional
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 can (16 ounces) whole tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
1 can tomato sauce
(or use 2 jars of spaghetti sauce)
2 tablespoons parsley leaves or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves or Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
9 uncooked lasagne noodles - we made ours from scratch with the noodle/pastry maker
1 carton (16 ounces) ricotta or cottage cheese (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsps salt
1 1/2 tsps oregano leaves or Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for the top)

Cook and stir Italian sausage, onion and garlic in 10 -inch skillet, drain. Add tomatoes (with liquid), tomato sauce, 2 tbsps parsley, the sugar, basil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until mixture is consistency of thick spaghetti sauce, about 1 hour.

Cook noodles as directed on package. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture. Mix ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 1/2 tsp salt and the oregano. Layer 1/3 each of the noodles, remaining sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese mixture in ungreased oblong pan, 13x9x2 inches at least. Repeat 2 times. Spoon reserved sauce mixture onto top; sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered in 350 degrees 45 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. 8 to 10 servings

Do-ahead tip: After cooking, lasagna can be covered and frozen no longer than 3 weeks. To serve, cook uncovered in 375 degree oven until bubbly, about 1 hour.