Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Celebration Spaghetti Sauce

Today I am celebrating two events: The 100th post on this blog, and the second anniversary of its creation.

I want to send my heartfelt thanks to all of you who visit this blog on a regular basis. The number of readers has continued to grow each week, and creating the recipes and posts I share with you is one of life’s great joys.



When I started this blog, I was in the process of leaving New Hampshire, where I had lived for almost two decades, to return to the Midwest so I could be closer to my parents and family.





I was nervous about my food writing career, which had a solid foundation in The Granite State where I was writing almost 20 articles a month for various newspapers and magazines. I knew many of the chefs and food-shop owners in the area, and I knew where to find the good restaurants, food shops, farm stands, etc. I was even a regular guest on a food-themed radio program!





Plus, I was leaving behind some wonderful friends who stood by me through the best of times and the worst of times.






Still, I gathered up my cookbooks, computer, and courage to make my way to Kansas and a new life. I wanted to be within just a few hours driving distance to my parents, who have been my biggest fans and supporters, and my sister and nephews, all of whom I hadn’t seen much since 1992. So off I went to The Sunflower State.

It was the best decision of my life!



Today I have my new husband, Michael, who I adore. He is the love of my life.







My parents, sister, and nephews, plus many more family members, live just a couple of hours away in Missouri.








Plus I have a new city I enjoy exploring. I am constantly discovering some new food place, many beautiful sites, and wonderful people.  And my writing career has continued, both in print and on this blog.




So, why a recipe for spaghetti sauce to celebrate? When I moved to Kansas, I brought with me my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe. Unfortunately, Michael didn’t like it. He preferred spaghetti sauce from a can. (Oh, the horror!)

Turns out, my sauce had too much garlic and Italian seasoning for his tastes. He even said, “It must be a New England sauce.”

I caved in and made spaghetti with his favorite canned variety, all the while trying out one combination after another to come up with a sauce that he would like.

I finally got it right! The key, besides toning down the seasoning, was to use tomato puree so the sauce is thick without chunks of tomato. I’ve made this twice now, and he’s devoured it all, including the leftovers.

That is why I’m giving you this recipe to celebrate my blog’s big milestones. Besides, shouldn’t we always celebrate when we give loved ones something made with our own hands and talents that they enjoy eating?

Celebration Spaghetti Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 large white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (I use McCormick’s Gourmet Collection)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 28-ounce can tomato puree
1 tablespoon butter

Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook until just brown. Add the onion and continue cooking until the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and seasonings and cook for a minute or two. Then add the tomato puree and 1/2 can of water to rinse out the remaining puree.
 
Allow the mixture to simmer while you boil the spaghetti. Just before serving, add the butter and stir until it is melted and blended into the sauce.

4 comments:

  1. Looks like congratulations are in order and you have hit a few milestones. Congratulations!!!!

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  2. Love your blogs Linda!! Happy "anniversary" on both counts!! =)

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  3. Congrats on the milestones. I think that no one really knows how a blog can enrich your life until after they have had one for awhile.
    Moving does take you out of your comfort zone but you seem to have adjusted quite well! This sauce recipe does look like a winner to celebrate with too! Enjoy the day.

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  4. Happy anniversary. It can be difficult to cook for someone that does not enjoy robust flavors. It sounds like you were up to the challenge. This sounds like a terrific sauce and I'm not surprised your new husband enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend, Linda. Blessings...Mary

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