Angel's Marinara Sauce

We aren't a fan of the store bought spaghetti sauces...it's okay for a quick meal, but we prefer homemade.  I've been playing around with different recipes and think I've found the right combination of ingredients.  I made this today and we really liked it - even the picky kids in the family!

I made this using Red Gold Brand tomatoes and tomato sauce and FarmRich Turkey Meatballs

Marinara Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 white onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper
32 oz can of crushed tomatoes
32 oz can of tomato sauce
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper
2 dried bay leaves
2 tbsp dried basil
1 bag FarmRich Turkey Meatballs

In a large pot or Dutch Oven heat the olive oil, add onion and garlic and sprinkle with some salt and pepper.  Saute the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 40 minutes on low, stirring occasionally.  Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.

Angel's Chili

When the temperature drops there is nothing like a  pot of chili to warm you up.  My Mom called me yesterday and told me that she had talked to my brother...he lives about 30 minutes north of us and got even more snow than we did.  He was craving some chili....once he could get out they went to the store and he came home with $85 of groceries...but no chili beans...they were sold out!  For some reason this cracked me up so I e-mailed him to see if he had any chili beans I could borrow.  He e-mailed back and said I was a smart ass.  Is that any way to talk to your baby sister??

This morning, Katie asked if she could see Kallen and Donnie.  So I called him and asked if they wanted to come over for lunch and so the kids could play in the snow.  I made a big pot of chili and some brownies.  It was a  hit, there's just enough chili over for one serving and we polished off the whole pan of brownies!

Angel's Chili
2 pounds hamburger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 white onion, diced
salt & pepper
8 oz can tomato sauce
1or 2 8 oz cans of Rotel tomato sauce with chillies
16 oz can diced tomatoes
28 oz can tomato sauce
2 cans light red kidney beans, drained
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp chili powder

In a large skillet, brown hamburger with garlic and onions.  Season with salt and pepper.  Drain any excess fat.  Add the a can of tomato sauce and the spices.   Transfer the hamburger into a large pot...add remaining tomatoes, sauce, and beans.  Simmer for 1 hour.

Serve with grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream, crackers, Frito's....or whatever you like.