MARINARA SAUCE
2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped fine
1/4 cup olive oil (extra-virgin or virgin preferred)
1 (28-ounce) can peeled tomatoes (Progresso Pomodori Pelati con Basilico or Pope brand preferred), chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons crushed dried basil
1 cup chicken stock
In a small saucepan sauté garlic in olive oil until garlic dissolves (do not brown or burn). Add chopped tomatoes, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and allow to simmer over low heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Serve over your favorite pasta.
“Hey Joey,” Tommy yelled from the living room while the sauce was simmering. “You didn’t tell your wife that I’m here, did you? I don’t want anybody to know I’m down here.”
“Damn, Tommy, I wish you would have told me this before,” I answered. Of course I hadn’t told Bunny, but it was time to get Tommy’s goat a little, loosen him up. “I already told her. In fact, I heard her telling her girlfriend Margie about you.”
“Who the hell is Margie?” T.A. exploded. “Can’t you guys do anything without reporting to your ____ing wives?”
“Oh, Margie, she’s the girl who’s married to the Florida State’s Attorney,” I answered. “I’m sure she’ll tell her husband about you. She knows you’re a Mafia guy.”
“Joey, you get back in that kitchen before I eat your ____ing eyes for dinner.”
Okay, Tom, the blue-plate eyeball special for you—everyone else gets the veal.