"Spaghetti" Completely from Scratch!

Spaghetti Sauce:

8 Roma Tomatoes (could work with any kind), crushed
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
1 t black pepper
1 t salt
1 T minced onion
1 T dried oregano
1 T garlic powder
1 t parsley
1 t white sugar (I used honey instead)
*I also threw in fresh rosemary & fresh thyme

First step: Crushing the tomatoes:
1. Bring large pot of water to boil--put in the tomatoes, about 45 seconds
2. Immediately put the tomatoes in a bowl of ice water, about 1 minute
3. This process makes the tomato skin peel right off--it was amazing
4. Cut the tomatoes in half.
5. Squeeze each tomato half into a bowl to get out the water. Use your finger or spoon to scoop out the seeds
--From www.pickyourown.org

Second step: The Sauce

In a large saucepan over low heat, combine tomatoes, and all rest of the ingredients. Simmer for 1 hour.

--From Allrecipes.com

Third step: "Spaghetti"

You, of course, could use regular pasta, but I used spaghetti squash instead.

With a sharp, thin-bladed knife, pierce the squash in 4-5 places around its perimeter. Place in the microwave and cook on high power until tender when pushed with your fingers, 15-20 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Cut the squash in half through the stem & remove the seeds. Scrape the flesh off the skin into a bowl, and discard the skin. Use he fork to shred the squash into strands.
--From Jillian Michaels

When the sauce and spaghetti squash are ready, combine. You've got yourself a delicious, 100% scratch plate of spaghetti! :)

Breezy Caprese Salad

3 tomatoes, cut in thick slices
1 8oz container fresh mozzarella cut into circles
1 bunch basil leaves
2 T extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Arrange tomato slices and cheese medallions on a simple platter.

Tuck basil leaves between tomatoes and cheese.

Drizzle platter liberally with olive oil.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

--Cooking with Trader Joe's

**Makes a beautiful and impressive looking appetizer.

Turkey Meatballs

1 egg beaten
2 T milk
1/4 c almond meal
1/2 t Italian seasoning
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 lb ground turkey

Preheat oven for 375. Combine ingredients in bowl. Shape into 24 1 in balls. Spray baking pan with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes.

--Gunther Family

Double Tomato Bruschetta

6 roma tomatoes, chopped (I used heirloom, super flavor!)
1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 c olive oil
2 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 c fresh basil, stems removed
1/4 t salt
1/4 t ground black pepper
1 french baguette (gfree bread works well--just toast a little longer)
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat the oven on broiler setting

2. In a bowl, combine everything but the bread and cheese. Allow mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

3. Cut the baguette in 3/4 inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.

4. Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozarella cheese.

5. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

--Sue Hanson