The Sauce

Many Italian grandmothers have slaved over the stovetop perfecting their marinara, but it doesn't have to be an all day endeavor to create the same authentic taste. A few ingredients make up a simple but flavorful tomato sauce. Start with a heavy bottomed pot on medium low heat. Add one tablespoon olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot and one whole diced onion. Let the onion soften about 10 minutes. Add a good pinch of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and 3 or 4 diced garlic cloves. Don't let the garlic burn! Add in a tablespoon of crushed dried oregano, two tablespoons of tomato paste, a tablespoon of granulated sugar and one dried bay leaf. Add one 28-oz can of tomato puree and one 28-oz can of whole canned tomatoes, San Marzano if you can get them. There are several methods of breaking down the whole tomatoes - crush them by hand before adding to the pot or mash with a potato masher once in the pot.

Bring to a simmer then turn down the heat to low and cover. The sauce can cook for as little as 20 minutes or a couple hours depending on your schedule. Tasting is key throughout the cooking process. If you sauce is too tangy add a little more sugar. Also check for salt content and add more if necessary.

If you want rustic (chunky) sauce then add a handful of fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped) plus a handful of chopped Italian parsley and you're done! If you want a smooth sauce then use a stick blender or bar blender - just make sure you take the bay leaf out before blending! Then add your fresh herbs.

TIP: GiftStashers, create a registry called Italian Food and save choices there until you're ready to buy.