Laughter & Memories: Sicilian Style

This weekend went by in a flash. Isn't it always the way when you are having fun? We celebrated a few things. The cake above was for my Sister's birthday. But first we celebrated the life of a beloved family member, my Gramma. When my Sister and her family arrived she said "It sure smells like Italian in here!" My Mother and I had been simmering homemade tomato sauce for two hours by the time they arrived. Then there was the long awaited taste test of the meatballs. We tried to duplicate the family recipe which sadly, no one really had, except in our memory. We decided we did okay but it will be perfected in the next get together. It was still absolutely delicious. Did I mention I love Italian food? We also watched a video I created highlighting pictures of my Gramma throughout her lifetime. It was very special. We cried.

Then we toasted to her long life and many memories. And we laughed. She would have loved it. We sure did!

I'll leave you with our recipe for Sicilian tomato sauce since we are SURE of how to make it:

1 28 oz can crushed (or whole) tomatoes

2 cans tomato paste

1 small onion

1 clove garlic

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped

1/2 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper

Sautee onions and garlic in the olive oil until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste. Fill the two empty tomato paste cans with water and pour them in. Stir well. Add the large can of crushed tomatoes. (If using the whole tomatoes be sure to squeeze the tomatoes in your hand until crushed like a good Sicilian would do) Fill half of that can with water and add to sauce. Add the basil and oregano. Add the sugar. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add any meats (meatballs, ground beef, or Italian sausage) for the last additional hour and simmer.

Your whole house will smell delizioso!