Mama Mia Pasta Sauce ™

This pasta sauce is so simple to make. I used ground round for the meat. I've also used fresh mushrooms for this, but you can use rinsed canned mushrooms if needed instead. 

Feel free to experiment and use what you like. For a vegetarian sauce, you can omit the beef or use a vegan meat.

1 lb ground beef (ground round)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
4 oz mushrooms
2- 3 T fresh or dried basil
2 T dried or fresh oregano
1-2 cloves garlic chopped
2 cans each diced tomatoes, tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp salt (optional)

In a skillet or saucepan brown beef, onions and peppers for 8-10 min. Drain off the excess fat from meat (If using ground round or sirloin, omit this step).

Add remaining ingredients to meat, onion and pepper. Reduce heat. Let simmer for 15-20 min, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Serves 6-8

Spinach Salad

This is my version of a spinach salad. I used baby spinach which has a milder flavor than regular spinach. I also added Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts and fresh strawberries. Enjoy!

4 c baby spinach
2 oz Gorgonzola cheese
2 c sliced strawberries
1 c chopped walnuts

In colander rinse spinach well. Drain well in colander. I use a salad spinner to remove excess liquid (if using pre-washed spinach omit this step). Place dry spinach in salad bowl. Set aside.

Rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into slices and set aside.

Cut cheese into small cubes. Set aside.

In plastic baggie, place shelled walnuts. Use a rolling pin to go over walnuts twice (if using chopped walnuts, omit step).

In salad bowl combine walnuts, strawberries, cheese with spinach and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss with your favorite dressing.

Makes 4 servings.

Raspberry Vinaigrette

This is my version of a basic vinaigrette. Feel free to experiment and use what you like.

1 c olive oil
2 T vinegar
1/4 c raspberries
1-2 tsp sugar (regular or sugar free)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp salt (optional)

In a blender combine: olive oil, vinegar, raspberries, sugar, salt, pepper.

Blend well for 30-45 seconds. Chill until ready to use.

Makes 8 servings or 16 T.

Sangria

This fruit and wine drink is perfect for any occasion or get together. 

I used oranges, lemons, limes in the bottom of the pitcher. 

Feel free to mix and match and use fruits that you like. Enjoy!

1 bottle red wine (or white wine)
2 oranges
1/2 c sugar (regular or sugar free)
1 lime
1 lemon

Cut lemon, lime and 1 orange into wedges.

Cut 2nd orange into slices for garnish. Set aside.

Juice remaining orange.

In a pitcher, place the fruit wedges. Pour wine over fruit. 

Add orange juice and sugar. 
Mix well.

Put in fridge to chill until you're ready to serve.

To serve: pour wine in glass. Cut slit in orange slice.

 Garnish glass with orange slice.

Serves 4.