Pic Today 8/15/11

JOHN'S PASTA SAUCE

Each year, about this time,

we come together to help our Sicilian friend, John,

make a year's supply of pasta sauce . . . from scratch.

We wash just-picked ripe tomatoes . . . cut them up,

removing the white stem cap and any blemishes . . .

press the juice out and cook them slowly

in giant pots . . . adding chopped onions and basil.

We stir the pot, softening the tomatoes,

and press the mixture through John's fancy

Italian FERRARA "seed and skin" remover.

Cook the sauce slowly, stirring frequently,

until the sauce mixture reduces by one-third.

Season with garlic, salt, pepper and

a dash of sugar to taste.

Transfer to sterilized jars . . . place a fresh basil leaf

on top . . . seal and let cool.

A beautiful day is spent with friends, and

a year's supply of delicious pasta sauce

is ready for the shelf.