The Story of Three

One of the least expensive ways to feed people is………….pasta! Now, if you know how to make lots of sauces offhand, it can also be one of the easiest ways to feed the masses. Now to those who are scared to make a sauce from scratch in favor of the (eck, should I even say it) the jar of pasta sauce, fear not! It is so easy and sooooo much tastier.

Sauce #1—–Marinara/Bolognese Sauce
Think equal parts tomato sauce and water, diced onion, 1 TBS of italian spices (basil, parsley, organo) per can of tomato sauce, and lots of time simmering. I use 3 cans of tomato sauce, 3 TBS spices, half an onion, lots of garlic!, and an hour of simmering time. Now I personally like bolognese much better than marinara, so I also add 1 lb of browned (grease drained before adding) ground beef. So tasty! You can also add a lot of parmesan cheese after serving, and it tastes so good.

Sauce #2—–Red Wine Sauce Florentine
Half a cup butter/soy butter, one cup red wine (I use chianti), 1 TBS of each marjoram & basil & parsley, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (dry packed and cut into quarters), 1 cup fresh spinach…….Now add the first three ingredients and let simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the wine is halved. Now add the parmesan cheese and sundried tomatoes. Let that simmer for another 5 minutes. Lastly, add the spinach and let it sit in there for only about a minute until the spinach is slightly wilted.

Sauce #3—–Creamy White Wine Sauce
One part butter to two parts white wine–This is smoother if you have clarified butter/ghee, but it will work either way. Let simmer until the butter is melted and the wine has had some time to boil out the alcohol. Add in one part half and half (or cream if you want it really creamy!), 1 TBS herbs (parsley, tarragon) per cup of wine and one part cheese of choice. Parmesan will give a more alfredo-ish flavor, but you can use anything that will melt and taste yummy. Let it come to a boil for a minute or two so that all the fats and flavors can combine. Serve over a penne or other pasta that will allow sauce to sit in hidden crevices and such.

Well, enjoy your frugal friday and all that pasta!!!

So…I have slacked like there’s no tomorrow. I was trying to finish everything before Thanksgiving. Then I got sick with the flu. Then Thanksgiving happened (which was fun by the way), and soon after started concert season. Let’s just say I feel like I am a perpetual chicken running around with my head cut off.

Anyhow, I figured that the first step to recovery is to admit the problem……or is it that I’ve fallen off the horse and need to get back on again. Either way, I’m blogging again. I’ve actually been a little embarrassed of my menus as of late. Between the flu, a cold I have right now, and all the crazy concerts and parties and such, I have slacked in doing much in the way of health and interesting flavor. Well, this week has been similar. I hope things improve soon, as I am done with all the busy-ness at the end of this week.

Alright menu:

Tuesday–Indian food! I had spicy chicken and pesto stuffed naan. Eric had chicken tikka masala.

Wednesday–Island Black Bean soup with green bell peppers (All made in a crockpot with a crockpot liner for reduced mess!)

Thursday–Taco Salad–Romaine lettuce, organic refried beans with green peppers, hamburger, grated cheeses

That’s it for now. I’ll have more of a menu later. Hopefully more blog posts too!

~jenny