And I dont even like Spaghetti...

 First off, I should tell you that I don't even like spaghetti- or red sauces in general. 

 however, on the rare occasion that I do crave the meaty red warm garlicky goodness... This is where I turn.  This was given to me by a friend who got it from his mom who got it from someone who got it from someone... and so on- apparently it's legitimately Italian or from Italy...It tastes amazing, so I don't really need its pedigree.

And it makes enough for about 300 people, so be prepared (but honestly the left overs are ALWAYS better when your talking about spaghetti! Right??)

This is the original....

1 lbs Ground beef or sausage (I have tried both and 50/50 sausage is the way to go- and I double mine...)

 1 medium Onion

1 cup sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh, also tried both, I vote fresh)

2-3 (12-13oz) cans of tomato sauce

1 Tbs chopped garlic (the slurry in the little jar works perfect)

1 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning

Salt / Pepper to taste

2-3 Tbs Sugar

My additions: Not sure where I got it (I swear the recipe called for it once) but I add a  5oz can of tomato past to thicken it up, red-pepper flakes and Cherry tomato's if I have them

OK, let the foodie-blogging-begin!!

I mix mild and hot sausage because I like a little kick to it

I cook up the sausage AND I mix in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes now

When the sausage is done cooking I take it out and drain out the grease just a little...

After chopping up the onions, I saute them with garlic and salt & pepper

I split the cherry tomato's- The recipe is fine without these, but I usually have some laying around that need used

When the onions are nice and golden and soft and makes your house smell AMAZING, mix in the mushrooms to soften them up a little- not to much.

When the onions, garlic, and mushrooms have all been mixed and softened up a little, mix in the meat and the tomato's (Including the cans of tomato sauce and tomato paste)

And last but not least, don't forget the couple tablespoons of sugar- I hate sweet sauces, but honestly you cant even tell its in there, this is very savory... but it makes a difference when you don't

Once everything is in the pot, let it simmer and meld and mix and percolate and exude deliciousness until you are ready to eat it!!

This sauce is good on any pasta, I like angle hair and vermicelli (thin spaghetti)

Make some buttery garlic bread, and a green salad and ENJOY!!!!!

An Ode' To Jodie on [ or around] the day of her Birth!

Who is Jodie you ask?

and what is an "ode'" ?

This is Jodie.

(and an Ode'  is a noun. A lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner and written in varied or irregular meter.)

Roommate of about .... 3.5 years.

(And we have been through A LOT in those few years...A.Lot.)

Student. (Or at least has been the whole time that I have known her... we share the "study zone" ... and sometimes actual studying takes place)

Medical Professional (and a great massage therapist and not just to half naked men in our living room, but she shares her mad skills on me too!)

Artistic. (Not just with snookie-style-hair)

Kind.(she took care of this hot-crying-whinny-swollen-mess when I had my wisdom teeth ripped from my mouth...and buys my O.J. and grilled cheese every single time I'm sick!)

Animated.(She has a mix of hand gestures, facial expressions [displayed below] and elevated vocal cues...and uses them in a way only Jodie can)

Spiritual. (um...um...She is, I swear!)

Funny. (Don't let her cool and mature demeanor fool you...)

Story Teller.
 (while her story's are LONG and fully of wacky tangents that have nothing to do with anything, and that I sometimes LOOK like I have tune out, I haven't [usually]...she tells a great story)

Passionate.(about everything)

Considerate.

(Even while on vacation she takes the time to send me pictures of random handsome and very attractive gentleman that she thinks I would enjoy ogling over... This is one of them; a sexy mix of bald hunkyness)

 

Generous.

(With everything she owns, and the compliments she gives. and she puts up with me

[and me wiggling my bum all the time],

 which is MIGHTY generous)

Great Dish Washer.
(She does my dishes because she loves me, and because she knows I get a 'lil OCD neurotic crazy clean, and I rarely have time for that crap...and sloppy/messy people piss me off and maybe she just doesn't want to hear me complain and whine...It is all suddenly making sense!)  

Dedicated. (To what ever she puts her mind to)

Beautiful. (And not just on Halloween)

And All-In-All ... Just a GREAT friend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!!!!!!!

2013......

How does 'Grumpy Cat' always know the face that goes along with how I am feeling!

You have done it again  grumpy. You have done it again.

Perhaps my first day back to work after a nice long New Years vacation isn't the best time to update my blog- Ill try and keep the snarky and sarcastic remarks to a minimum.

This New Years really doesn't feel like it always did when I was younger. Parties, dances, playing monopoly, celebrations- singing "Shot thru the heart, and your to blame, you give looooove a bad name!" by Jon Bon Jovie at the top of my lungs along with some lobby cover band just isn't what it used to be.

This year just doesn't seem to be starting off with such a BANG!

I guess it could be worse.... right?

I just need to talk myself into it! I need to pump myself up with excitement... or maybe really low expectations is just what the Doctor ordered (I better get a prescription for that)

Here is to a mediocre year with low expectations!!!