Peppercorn Press

This time of year it seems we are often surprised by last minute dinner guests or unexpected company dropping in for the weekend.  Or maybe it’s the surprise invitation to an event or dinner that you need to bring “a little something” to.  That’s just part of the Holidays.  Family and friends want to see and share with other family and friends.  It is a comfort to them, and to us, to know they and we are always welcome in each other’s homes and hearts.

However, there are times when unexpected dinner guests, or invitations provide a little additional stress to our already busy holiday schedules.  I know from e-mails and letters that we have received that we are not alone in this.  Over the next few weeks we are going to post several quick and easy recipes, for main courses, appetizers and deserts and other holiday recipes.  With these delicious recipes in your repertoire, you can plan ahead and have a few ingredients on hand to make last minute surprises a breeze.

We thought we would start with something that nearly everyone likes — Spaghetti.  I know what you are thinking . . . spaghetti?  For the holidays?  Yes!  The main reason is it appeals to a wide variety of people, from finicky kids and teens to adults with more sophisticated tastes.  Served with a good red wine and crusty bread it can make for either a very casual meal, or one that is more formal.  And best of all, this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is very simple.  It’s almost as easy as opening a jar, but it won’t taste like it came from one.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

½ cup chopped yellow onion

3 ¾ cup tomato sauce (2 15 oz cans)

2 – 4 ounce cans of sliced mushrooms

1 teaspoon cider or red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves

½ teaspoon dried basil leaves

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (for optional topping)

Preparation

Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet and add the chopped onion.  Brown the beef and onion until done.  Drain off liquid.  Return heat and add all the remaining ingredients.  Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, while you boil the pasta according to the package directions.  Toss together with, or spoon over cooked pasta, top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Makes 6 to7 – ¾ cup servings.

This simple recipe can also be made in the microwave.  Simply cook the beef and onion on “high” for 5 minutes, or until beef is done, stirring twice to keep beef crumbly.  Add the remaining ingredients and microwave on “high” for an additional 10 minutes, stirring twice, or until hot and flavors are well blended.

TIP

You can also save extra time by having all of the dry ingredients pre-measured and stored in a zip-lock bag labeled “Spaghetti Seasonings.”