Basic Marinara for about 6

ingredients

preparation

• 2 28 ounce cans of crush tomatoes--preferably pear shaped style, San Marzano style.

• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons basic leaves, chopped

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

NOTE 1: I recommend crushed tomatoes. If you want a smoother sauce, you can puree the tomatoes in a blender.

NOTE 2: This one ingredient determines the result! So as the Knight said to Indiana Jones, when picking a goblet: "Choose wisely." San Marzano is a region in Italy noted for it's tomatoes. It near impossible to buy actual San Marzano tomatoes--but California grows some pretty good produce. Make sure you buy a product as free of flavors as you can: no garlic, no herbs, as little salt as possible. The whole point of making your own, is to take the flavors in YOUR OWN DIRECTION and not have the tomato product determine that. Also, we give a recipe using a canned tomato so that you can make it all year round, even when good tomatoes are not available. PLUS--for last minute guests or dinner NO HOUSE SHOULD EVER BE WITHOUT SOME GOOD CANNED TOMATOES IN THE CUPBOARD!

1. Put the olive oil and garlic in a pan large enough to hold all the ingredients.

2. Head starting under low heat for about 5 minutes then increase to medium. Simmer the garlic until just golden. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Add the tomatoes. Once they start to simmer, lower heat and cook slowly for at least 30 minutes.

4. Add the salt, pepper and fresh basil and simmer for at least 10 minutes.

NOTE 1: You can simmer for longer if you have the time; it will get better. But it's certainly not necessary to let it simmer for hours. If you do, keep a nice fresh loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine next to it...and savor the flavors along the way, dipping the bread in the sauce and sipping some wine. ahhhhh!

NOTE 2: if you are using dried basil (not recommended) add it when you add the tomatoes.

You may also decide to use other herbs ADDITIONALLY or instead of the basil according to your tastes and desired. Fresh oregano is a nice flavor, however, it's one of the few herbs that I actually like as much if not better dried.

NOW MANGA!