Kiss the Cook

My daughter-in-law suggested I post my spaghetti sauce recipe so here it is. (Happy 7th anniversary, Andy & Ellie!) It is very easy and I usually have everything I need in the house when the mood strikes to make it. I actually won "first place" at our family reunion last year in our sauce tasting contest. Not sure why...there were many very good ones there...but for two years, until our next reunion in July 2010, I'm enjoying being "boss of the sauce". This was just a basic recipe that I tweeked a bit until I made it "mine." Hope you will try it sometime.

Jacque's Spaghetti Sauce

1# bulk sweet Italian sausage

1 1/2 c. finely chopped yellow cooking onion

1 - 12 oz. can tomato paste

3 - 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes

2 c. water

4 tsp. chopped fresh garlic

4 bay leaves

1 heaping Tbsp. dried oregano, crushed between hands

4 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp. salt

1 heaping Tbsp. dried sweet basil, crushed between hands

In large heavy pan, cook sausage and onion until meat is brown. Add all remaining ingredients and bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Makes 12 cups sauce. Note: this freezes well if you want to make some up ahead of time and save for later.