Cooks Day Off!!

 I'd like to share some of my first blog posts with you.  My family is going through some tough times and my mind is not on baking or cooking.  I am preparing a lot of my old recipes and also getting out and enjoying a few small meals. 

Once I can focus a little better I'll be back to my passion of baking and cooking. I promise!

Love, M.j.




I've surpassed my expectations of what I thought my blog would be.. It has taken me on a journey of  my family recipes but also new ideas to make this blog what my fellow foodies seem to enjoy.  It seems my waking hours are spent thinking of what I am going to post the next day!  I have become somewhat obsessed with it!    My son tells me that is because it is my passion, and that it is a good thing! I agree!!!

Since I am not cooking today we are searching out that quick but tasty something to satisfy both my hubby and grandson.who is visiting us...  We are searching out a place to satisfy their love for that perfect quick satisfying meal?  A hoagie or a sub?   My hubby likes Philly cheese steak hoagies.  My grandson loves Italian subs.   So depending on your locale it is a hoagie or a sub?  I grew up calling this crispy long roll , piled with lots of different meat, cheese and lots of toppings a hoagie . Today where we ate they called them subs.  Whatever you want to call them..it really doesn't matter as long as they are Yummy!!!

9/5/2011 original

Super Bowl!!! Appetizers for entertaining

Check out  the label section of my blog under appetizers for these wonderful "kitchen tested"selections.

Enjoy the game!

Meat Sauce using Plum Tomatoes

A simple and delicious crockpot pasta sauce using Plum tomatoes.  

Simple to make

2 lb. beef and pork ground
3 to 4 cloves garlic (sliced, minced or whole)
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black or red pepper
2 large cans Tuttorosso plum tomatoes emulsified several times with immersion blender, processor(or simply crush well pushing down with a fork).
3 or fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp. dried basil
**1 small can tomato paste (optional for thicker sauce) 

1 lb. pasta cooked according to directions.  Drain well!!!!  so water does not settle to bottom of serving dish.

Brown meat in olive oil chopping with large spoon to break up into small pieces.  Add salt and pepper and garlic.  Add to crockpot and set on low.  Add tomatoes, basil, and Italian seasoning.  Cover and cook approximately 4 to 6 hours. 

 ** Note: If you like a slightly thicker pasta sauce add 1 can tomato paste when adding the tomatoes and stir to blend before placing lid on crockpot.

Use blender and pulse until tomatoes are no longer whole