Easy and Good Marinara Sauce

Since my painting slowed down slightly, I thought I would share a recipe that I tried out tonight. My Mother's wonderful Mother-in-Law left us some wonderful recipes, her cooking was always tasty and created a wonderful aroma in the house. I think like Julie and Julia, I'm going to blog about my Step-Grandmother Grace's recipes. That is more doable than experimenting with Julia Child's recipes that are complex.

The recipe is as simple as follows:

"Saute chopped Garlic in Olive Oil, add plum tomatoes and squash them til the plum is broken, cook 15 minutes-then add Basil, Oregano , Salt (optional), and pepper and one can of tomato paste. Cook 15 minutes more. All done!!"-Cooking with Grace by Nancy Accetta, December 2010, p.5

This is old school with no measurements so you have to rely on your sense of smell. I used Roma Tomatoes  which works fine and fresh Basil.

I chopped them prior to placing in pan

I used a similar concept from Martha Stewart Living 13 years ago but she complicated it by peeling the tomatoes. I don't find that step necessary.

The finished product on the pasta of my choice!

Nothing like simple fresh Marinara sauce that doesn't take a lot of preparation and I even have leftovers!
It made for a delicious dinner!

Happy Belated New Year!

Hi Followers,
I have not posted in a while but 2010 has been an interesting year! As I want to continue painting, I've come to terms that I can't actually make a living as an artist. I'm still making up my mind on what classes to take since I have more choices being in the intermediate level. I'm growing weary of retail and when rent has gone up and I'm paying for membership for Yoga my hours are being cut. It may be god's way of telling me to move on or make a career change and I have to do it quick. My ideal career would be in the arts. I considered administrative although it would pay the bills it could be boring or unfullfilling.

What I Accomplished in 2010:
Produced more paintings and took up Yoga. Spent more time with my family and be more a part of it.

What I wished I did more of in 2010:
Have more of a social life and travel more. Explore more career options.

The Highlights of 2010:


A new family member a little second cousin born to my cousin Christine and her husband Steve.

The Shrimp and Crawfish boil at my Cousin Christine and Steve's home in Ft Collins.

Reuniting with Jim Eaton and seeing his Family in Sacramento.

Seeing the Big Trees near Sacramento.

Learned Photoshop techniques for my paintings.

What's to Come in 2011:


Take a sculpturing class at the Art Student's League

Visit the Denver Design Center and look into Interior decorating

Take a portfolio class at the League

Be more involved in AA

Look for a new job

Take my dog Cookie to obedient school

Take a trip to Montana-look at Conrad Mansion and Marcus Daly Mansion for decorating inspiration

Go to predecorated open houses for inspiration too in affluent neighborhoods

If Interior decorating is something I want to do (after talking to decorators), get Certified via online or at-home study