Spaghetti Sauce

If you don't have a jar of pasta sauce handy or if you want to try making spaghetti sauce on your own, this recipe will get the job done. I kind of experimented with making pasta sauce with stuff I already had in the cabinets and fridge. Needless to say, it turned out pretty well and it made the "final cut" to the blog.


Ingredients: 
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. Italian seasoning (or combine spices to make your own - oregano, basil, etc.)
salt and pepper to taste
[Optional: dice up some cooked chicken and add in with Step 1.]


Directions: 

1. In a heated pan, add olive oil, onion, bay leaves, and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent. 
2. While that's cooking, drain tomatoes (most, but not all of the juice) and smash the tomatoes up a bit more. 
3. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for a few minutes. 
4. Add remaining ingredients and let the flavor of the herbs soak into the mixture. (5-10 minutes)

Creamy Shrimp Bisque

This recipe is a lot like the shrimp and corn chowder, but it has a different consistency and is tasty nonetheless. An awesome cooking secret (that may not be so secretive, but I didn't know) that I learned from my friend Emily: you can buy minced garlic in jars at the grocery store.... because we like time- and energy-saving cooking ideas. 


Ingredients: 
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 green onion w/tops, chopped
4 tbsp. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. half & half
2 bouillon cubes
3 tbsp. fresh parsley
8 oz. cooked shrimp, chopped


Directions:

1. In medium pan, add celery, butter, onions. Stir.
2. When tender, add garlic and mix.
3. Stir in flour and half & half.
4. Let simmer 5 minutes.
5. Stir in bouillon and parsley.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, until thick.
7. Add shrimp and let simmer 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and add salt to taste.