2/3 lb. hot Italian sausage
2 tbsp. hot red pepper, crushed
1 tsp. anise seeds
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 med. tomatoes, peeled and sliced
12 oz. lasagna noodles (spinach)
3 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

CREME SAUCE:

1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. flour
2 1/2 c. half and half
Salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. nutmeg, to taste

Brown sausage, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. red pepper. Drain and add anise seeds. Set aside. Melt butter and brown mushrooms. Add tomatoes and cook until soft. Set aside. Cook noodles. To cook creme sauce, melt butter; add flour; whisk in half and half; add pepper. Cook, continuing to whisk, until thick.

Butter 9 x 12 inch casserole dish. Start with noodles, add sausage, mushrooms and tomato mixture, Mozzarella and creme sauce. Continue to layer. Finish with creme sauce. May sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.