Julia Roccaforte of Maple Valley competed in the healthy lasagna segment of the Today Show’s first Joyful Cook-Off in New York.

The segment was hosted by Joy Bauer, nutrition expert correspondent on the Today Show and judged by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

Roccaforte’s healthy Tex-Mex lasagna recipe was not the winner, but it came close. Her vegan and gluten-free dish was greatly enjoyed by Hoda Kotb, who has a dairy restriction.

“Hoda came to my lasagna after the segment aired and ate a few more bites,” said Roccaforte. “A lot of the show correspondents asked if this was something they could make from home and by the time we were done the whole thing was eaten.”

Roccaforte’s healthy Tex-Mex lasagna is only 160 calories per serving. To view photos, the video clip and get the recipe visit http://makemevegan2day.com/2013/04/11/tex-mex-lasagna/