Italiano...Yum!

John and I go to Buca di Beppo often and the marinara sauce is one of John's favorites there. It's his favorite so much that I found a recipe that is similar to theirs. Enjoy!

Buca Di Beppo Marinara Sauce

from food.com

Prep: 5 min. Cook: 20 min. Yield: 2 cups

1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon thyme

salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 - 1/3 cup beef broth

Combine ingredients in small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer gently, uncovered, 10 minutes.

Starting out...with a Christmas favorite!

I've decided to start this blog to post recipes I've tried out that I've liked and maybe some I that haven't been my favorite but could be tweaked to make it a favorite!

Over the Christmas weekend, at my grandparents house on Christmas Eve, I made this Spicy Crawfish Spread. Everyone enjoyed it and wanted the recipe so here it is for those and whoever else might be interested in trying it out!

Spicy Crawfish Spread

from Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook (2010)

Serve with Fritos or on toasted bread slices.

Prep: 4 min. Cook: 6 min. Yield: 2 1/4 cups

3 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup finely diced onion

3/4 cup finely diced celery

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose salt-free seasoning blend (I used Old Bay Seasoning)

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

8 ounces peeled, cooked crawfish tails, finely chopped

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Garnish: celery leaf

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until onion and celery are tender. Add seasoning blend and pepper; sauté 30 seconds. Combine sautéed vegetables and crawfish tails in a bowl. Add softened cream cheese, and stir gently to combine. Garnish, if desired.