Super Spaghetti Sauce

Here's a delicious and quick homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that's sure to get even the pickiest eaters to finish their dinner!

1 pound ground beef or italian sausage, skined and crumbled
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes (I like to use the ones with garlic, basil, and oregano already added)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 bay leaves

Brown meat in pan and drain in a colander; return to the pan. Stir in remaining ingredients until well blended. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Want to bulk up the nutrition? Shred, puree, or chop any additional veggies and add to sauce.

Modified from Hunt's Red - and - Ready Spaghetti Sauce

Awesome Alfredo!

I hate waiting for a table at Olive Garden, but if you're like me, some days you just have a craving for Italian! Here's a recipe that may help you get over your craving, or at least convince you that waiting in line isn't necessary!

(A word of warning: this is NOT low fat! I only make this occasionally, but it's soooo good!)

1/4 cup butter (1 stick)
1 pint heavy cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder (more or less for family's taste preferences)
black pepper to taste

Over low heat in a medium sauce pan, combine butter, cream, and cream cheese, whisking occasionally. When completely melted, whisk in garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to taste. When thouroughly combined, simmer over low heat. The longer you simmer, the thicker it gets!

We serve this over pasta with chicken and broccoli or a salad.