Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup

Another awesome recipe thanks to Miss Marla!

1/2 c. butter
2 heaping Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 c. flour
3 c. half and half
2 1/2 Tbsp chicken base (Marla uses Wyler's granules)
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes blended so they are smooth
1 sm can tomato sauce
1/3 c. sugar
1 Tbsp dried basil (or 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves, chopped)
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 can chicken stock

1. Melt butter in saucepan.  Once melted add garlic and sauté for a minute or tow.  Stir in flour to make a roux.

2.  Once roux is formed, slowly pour in half and half, stirring as you pour.  Stir constantly until it begins to thicken.

3.  Stir in chicken base, blended tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock, sugar, basil, pepper and salt.  Stir until heated through, but don't let boil.  If needed add milk to soup to thin to desired consistency.

Spaghetti Sauce

1/2 bushel tomatoes (16 quarts)
1 bunch celery, chopped
1 large zucchini, chopped
1/2 c. salt
3 heads garlic, minced
1 Pint extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. parsley
3 lbs. onions, chopped
4 green peppers, chopped
1 1/2 c. sugar
8 small cans tomato paste

Blanche tomatoes then immerse into ice water.  Peel tomatoes and chop tomatoes.  Cook onion, celery, garlic and peppers in oil for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and other ingredients. Blend with immersion blender until desired consistency.  Simmer 1 hour.

Makes 24 quarts

This year I canned to save freezer space.  I immersed in a hot water bath for 35 minutes.

Spaghetti sauce - freezer

1/2 bushel tomatoes (16 quarts)
1 bunch celery, chopped
1/2 c. salt
2 heads garlic, minced
1 Pint extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. basil
3 lbs. onions, chopped
4 green peppers, chopped
1 1/2 c. sugar
8 small cans tomato paste

Strain tomatoes. Cook onion, celery, garlic and peppers in oil for 30 minutes. Add juice and other ingredients. Simmer 1 hour.

Makes 24 quarts

I freeze mine but you can also can it if you prefer.

Marinara

This is super easy and very good!

2 cans (28 oz. each) whole peeled plum tomatoes, undrained
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped to equal 3 Tbsp.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Pulse tomatoes and juices in a food processor until coarsely chopped

Heat garlic and oil over medium heat until garlic begins to sizzle. Add tomato puree, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen.

Bruschetta

I made this today to go with some atrisan bread I got at the Farmer's Market. Yummy!!!!

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 tomatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
seasoning salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix tomatoes, dried basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, seasoning salt and ground black pepper. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Spaghetti sauce with meat

I made this sauce on Christmas Eve and it was such a hit, it will be our annual tradition.

1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
1/2 pound italian sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz can tomato paste
15 oz can tomato sauce
28 oz can diced tomatoes
4 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon crushed bay leaf

1Tbsp sugar  

DIRECTIONS
Place meat in a non-stick wok, or large deep skillet. Drain excess fat. Add onion, and cook until soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Put into crock pot. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with thyme, basil, rosemary, marjoram and bay leaf. Cover, and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours.

One 16 ounce package of spagehetti noodles is perfect if the recipe is doubled, but you might like more sauce that our family does.

I doubled the recipe and what I didn't immediately use, I froze in indiviual portions and use as needed. Works great!

Pizza Sauce

1 6-oz. can tomato paste
6 oz. water
2 cloves of garlic
1 Tbsp. honey
3/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix ingredients and allow to stand until ready to use.
**Covers two average-sized pizza**
**freezes extremely well**