spaghetti and springtime

I apologize for the extended period between my last blog post and this one! Time seems to fly by when springtime hits my normally sleepy little town... All of the tourists are showing up en mass, the shops are opening up and everything seems to be bursting with life. I started working again a few weeks back so I have been busy with that, my sleeping schedule is of course a little whacked out due to my new schedule, and I am suffering from some of the worst springtime allergies ever! I can't decide if the allergies are worth it, outside my window is the most beautiful tree in bloom, I really enjoy sitting on my bed smelling the scent of flower blossoms wafting through the window...However, my throat is in a constant state of flux, my eyes are always red and puffy, I get stuffed up every night and I am constantly tired. Is it worth it? Not sure yet, but heck it sure is gorgeous outside!

 Now for some kitchen time! Yesterday I decided that my hubby and I needed some good ol' spaghetti and red sauce for dinner. Instead of dashing to the store and grabbing a packet of pasta and a jar of Newman's Own pasta sauce, I decided to do things a little different with homemade pasta sauce! I wish I had also made my own pasta, I do have a pasta making machine, but that will come later... In any case, the sauce did turn out divine. I always love a good homemade pasta sauce, it brings back memories of when my dad used to make dinner for us. He would spice it up with all sorts of delicious veggies letting it simmer for a good long time until every flavor was melded together.

Pasta sauce has always been an easy dish to make. Mess around with it, toss in an assortment of flavors and see what happens! It is great fun, smells amazing in the process and the end result is always deeelish! Yesterday I chose to go with peppers, onion, carrots, garlic and Italian spices. So let's get cookin'!

Pasta Sauce

1 green bell pepper

bunch of carrots

large vidalia onion

5 large garlic cloves

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

salt

sugar

Italian seasoning herbs (fresh or dried)

Start by chopping up your vegetables.

Next sautee the vegetables in olive oil until they become slightly tender, don't over cook them or the sauce will be too mushy! When the veggies are tender add in the chopped garlic and a dash of Italian seasoning. Allow this to simmer for about a minute while stirring. 

Next add 3/4 of the can of tomato paste with a wooden spoon and mix it until the paste becomes incorporated with the veggies.  

Next add a can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Mix in 1/2 cup of water, if the sauce appears too thick just add more water. Add a small dash of sugar (be careful not to add too much or it will taste sweet!), then add salt to taste at this point then cover and allow to simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, while stirring occasionally. When the sauce is done the vegetables will be soft and the sauce will be full of flavor, cook up some linguine and serve! I promise you will love it! 

- Night Owl Gal