Hi all, sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. I got hit with a really bad bronchitis and then somehow hurt my back. Not much cooking going on in my house lately. I was so disappointed that I wasn’t even able to do my Easter cookie painting this year. Easter cookies are my favorite cookies to decorate. Big sigh…..

Anyway, I did make my favorite Bolognese sauce. Bolognese is a red pasta sauce that is much thicker and richer than a standard red sauce. It usually always calls for celery and carrots. I leave out the celery. But I have to tell you…do not leave out the carrots. I hate cooked carrots…I do….I really do. But you just must use them in bolognese sauce. Trust me. You don’t taste carrots, but it makes all the difference! This is quick to throw together and you just let it cook………..This is a thick, red, rich pasta sauce. It’s delicious with any kind of pasta. I hope you will try it.

Bolognese Sauce

1 carrot, shredded
1 small onion, minced
3 cloves of fresh garlic
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried or fresh thyme
1 small can tomato paste
1 large can whole tomatoes
1 Italian sausage link, crumbled up
1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup red wine (good red wine….not crappy stuff) cheers!
1/2 cup half and half
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Smash it all up so its really fine….NO big chunks. Add the onion, garlic and carrots. Give it all a good stir. Ahhhhhh smells so good. Add the dried spices, tomato paste, tomatoes and wine. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the half and half. Let it bubble and then turn the heat down to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2-3 hours.

This sauce is great with lasagna, bowties, penne, spaghetti…..any pasta, really. Enjoy….