Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

Make-Ahead Lettuce Salad

 1 head iceberg lettuce, torn

1 large onion, chopped

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped green pepper

1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed

2 cups mayonnaise

1 T. sugar

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (optional)

In a 6-qt. bowl, layer half of lettuce, onion, celery, green pepper, water chestnuts and peas. Combine mayonnaise and sugar; spread half over the salad. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with the cheese and bacon if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Makes 14 servings. Nutrition Facts – One 1-cup serving (prepared with fat-free mayonnaise and nonfat Parmesan cheese topping and without bacon) equals 54 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 262 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 2 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges – ½ starch, ½ vegetable.