Carol's Spaghetti Sauce (aka Lil Granny's Sketti Sauce)

Back in 1959 when I got married, some dear soul gave me a red and white checked Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.  It was a godsend because I really didn't know how to cook. This is my version of their spaghetti sauce, and although it doesn't photograph well, it is a family favorite.

1 large onion, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 lbs. ground round or low fat ground turkey ( I use turkey.)

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

5 cans of whole tomatoes, cut into small chunks, 14 oz. size cans (I used 4 cans + 1 can of diced tomatoes)

4 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce

2 6 oz. cans tomato paste

2 cans beef broth

1 handful dried parsley flakes

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon thyme

2 large bay leaves, or 3 small ones

2 cups burgundy, (I use Livingston Cellars)

24 oz. button mushrooms, (Sam's has them.)

Heat a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add oil, then onion and cook until soft, 3-4 minutes. Add 1/2 meat, brown then remove from pot. Add remaining meat and garlic, brown. Return meat and onions to pot. Add everything else, except mushrooms. Bring to a slow boil, turn to lowest heat and simmer for 2-3 hours. STIR OFTEN, DO NOT LET IT STICK TO BOTTOM OF POT. Tomatoes burn easily, then have a bad taste.

Clean mushrooms, slice and cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add to sauce about 20 minutes before it is ready to serve. Taste sauce for seasoning, add a little salt if needed. Serve over spaghetti, cooked in a big pot of boiling water for about 13 minutes, Serve with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

12-14 servings. Freeze leftover in portions, add a little water when you reheat it. It's nice to have this in the freezer, by adding salad and garlic bread, you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes.

(Lessons Learned... Spaghetti is not a photo friendly food... it is never a good idea to photograph red sauce on a purple plate... or a white plate either... big shards of Parmesan/Romano cheese sprinkled on top of your red sauce just looks silly... flourescent lights are evil.)