Mangia Monday!

"The trouble with eating Italian food is that 5 or 6 days later you're hungry again."
-George Miller

Can you believe it?? The weekend is over! Where does the time go? I had a wonderful weekend, I hope you did also!

Every Sunday night we have Sunday dinner at my home. This ALWAYS includes my immediate family of 4, my parents, in-laws and we always seem to have a few more once we are ready to sit down. It is always a very enjoyable meal with great food, enjoyable wine and lively conversation! (you should join us sometime!) I like to make different meals, but Sunday dinner, would NOT be Sunday dinner without pasta of some sort - that is how I grew up!

Today I am going to share an easy recipe for marinara sauce. It is very tasty, but requires very few ingredients - as it should be! Enjoy!

"A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat."
-Old New York Proverb


Marinara Sauce
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients:

* 1 large clove garlic, peeled & crushed
* 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 dash red pepper flakes
* 2 cups tomato puree (see recipe below)
* 1/2 tsp sea salt
* 1/2 tsp freshly grated black pepper
* 1/2 Lb. cappellini pasta, cooked al dente'
* Pecorino-Romano cheese, grated
* Fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

1.) Pour oil, garlic & red pepper into a saute' pan on medium-low.
2.) Cook, stirring occasionally, 10-12 min, until garlic is golden brown.
3.) Remove pan from heat & add tomato puree.
4.) Return to heat; add salt and pepper.
5.) Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min until it simmers.
6.) Serve over capellini.
7.) Top with grated cheese and fresh basil.



Tomato Puree

Ingredients:

* 1 lb roma tomatoes
* 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Equipment needed:

* Box grater

Directions:

1.) Cut tomatoes in half.
2.) Place box grater in large bowl.
3.) Gently press tomatoes along medium-grate, rub gently until all pulp is pressed through holes.
4.) Mix in olive oil.
5.) Can be used as a dip, bread topping or as a base for tomato sauce.


Silly Joke of the Day:

What do you get when you cross poison ivy with a 4-leaf clover?
.....A rash of good luck.

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!