Chunky Italian Spaghetti Sauce

This great Italian Spaghetti Sauce is one of our family's best kept secrets. Nothing brings good times and good friends together like delicious food made with love. The recipe can be used as a base sauce for a number of Italian recipes.

Ingredients

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) cans tomato puree
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 large bell pepper (red, green or yellow), chopped

1 package of Portabella mushroom
3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups water  

Directions

In a large skillet on low-med heat add your olive oil and saute your onions, bell peppers, mushrooms for about 6 minutes,then add your crushed garlic,cook for 2 minutes longer. 

Combine with all the ingredients in a large crock pot.

Make sure you mix everything very well.

Cover and cook on medium heat for 6 to 8 hours.

Serve over pasta.

Basic White Sauce

I have used this Basic White Sauce recipe for many years (about 30) and I learned how to make it from my Grandmother, so it's been our family for a long time. It can be used as a base for lots of dishes.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon flour

½ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup milk

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add flour and stir until the butter and flour are well combined.

Pour in milk, stirring constantly as it thickens.

Add more milk depending on desired consistency.

Serve