A Classic

Although I have made and created several new recipes since my last post, I have failed to post anything due to various reasons, all excuses a procrastinator like myself could blame, including not having had the time or because I thought a dish was too similar to a recent post.   Well, I have come to the point where a few people have asked if I stopped the blog, which has simultaneoulsy occured during this week  where I find myself with a cold and forced downtime on my hands.  With time to cook, blog and in effort to feel better, I am making my grandmother’s meat spaghetti, a sure boost of both carbs, protein and veggies and from a woman who had lot of heart, a lot of worries and a love of feeding our family.

I found it fitting to go ahead and post this, as when you have procrastinated, even if it feels as though it is beyond the point of no return, you can always start with your go-to task, recipe, friend, chore, exercise routine, ski-run, etc.  Nothing will get you back in the groove of whatever you’ve put off like diving into your classic option, where you know it like the back of your hand and the quality is a constant.  So, here I go.  I hope you enjoy this classic recipe for a classic dish and that you are inspired to pick back up where you left off on something in your own life.

Grandma’s Spaghetti and Meat Sauce:

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of olive oil

1/2 onion, finely diced

1/2 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, hot or regular)

1/2 lb ground beef

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 16 oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes (basil, oregano and garlic typically)

1 6 oz can or jar of tomato paste

1 tablespoon of sugar

1 tablespoon of basil leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb spaghetti, dried or fresh

Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste

Directions:

Melt olive oil in large saute or sauce pan over medium heat

Add meat and onion and allow to brown

Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste

Add remaining ingredients

Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours

After 1 hour, prepare 1 lb spaghetti as directed

Top drained spaghetti with sauce and serve with parmesan

Ingredients: Medium

Difficulty: Easy

Serves: 6

Goes With: Salad, warm garlic bread and red wine