TOMATO SAUCE
(salsa di pomodoro)

2 28 oz. cans of tomato of heavy crushed tomatoes
2/3 of a can of water
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano
2 or 3 cloves of minced garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

You may substitute 2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tap dried oregano and 1/2 tsp granulated garlic for the fresh ingredients listed above.

Simmer all of the above ingredients together for at least 6 hours. If this sauce becomes too thick add a little water. This sauce can be used for pizza as well as for any of your recipes that call for tomato sauce. For variety, add one or more of the following ingredients to the sauce at the beginning of the cooking time. Ground beef, mushrooms, Italian sausage, spareribs or chicken. This sauce freezes well. Make a big batch and keep it on hand for quick meals.

Cooking tip, if the sauce is a little too bitter after cooking, you may add a little sugar to it and cook another 10 minutes.