Pasta with Simple Marinara Sauce

I have been asked many times what my favorite meal is, and despite the many elaborate, and sophisticated meals that I have eaten in restaurants, and painstakingly made myself, I always come back to basic Italian Marinara sauce and pasta.

I have sampled many different foods at the different food shows we attend but I am always reminded that the best food in the world is often the simplest. The beauty of this sauce is that it is quick and easy - anyone can make it, and it always tastes good. It is inexpensive, and you can make a huge batch and keep it in the refrigerator, or freeze it. You can use it in different ways - either use it as a simple sauce with pasta, or add chicken, shrimp or other seafood, and serve it with a green salad, and crusty bread. So, in these difficult economic times, it is a nutritious and inexpensive meal to make - and kids love it, too!

Marinara Sauce (serves 6)

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 cups canned Italian tomatoes, chopped
• 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1 tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a saucepan, and saute onion and garlic until light golden.
2. Add white wine.
3. Stir in tomatoes, and all other ingredients.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve with spaghetti, or pasta of choice.