This is my first recipe post (thanks, Linds for the inspiration). I know many of you are harvesting tomatoes. Unfortunately, I did not get many tomatoes this year (Becky, you need to move back to Idaho and teach me how to grow a garden!). There are two things I love to make with fresh tomatoes. Marinara sauce and Italian Stewed Tomatoes. Last year my wonderful neighbor gave me tons of tomatoes. I made several batches of Italian stewed tomatoes and froze them in Ziploc. Sorry, I don't have a recipe. I just made mine up. Do some digging online. Wow! It was so good to put fresh tomatoes in spaghetti in the middle of winter. I've had a few family members ask about my marinara sauce. I made a batch last week with the few fresh tomatoes I was able to grow. I hope this works. The recipe originally comes from Family Fun but I have changed a few things. Here it is: 
Yummy Marinara Sauce
2 TBLS. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
Yummy Marinara Sauce
2 TBLS. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced or blended. (Diced equals a chunkier sauce and blended equals a smoother sauce. I like chunky!)
1/2 tsp. each dried basil & oregano
*option: I use a basic dried Italian seasoning. It contains basil & oregano plus a few other yummy spices.
1/2 tsp. each dried basil & oregano
*option: I use a basic dried Italian seasoning. It contains basil & oregano plus a few other yummy spices.
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Pepper, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Step 1: Prepare your tomatoes. Any kind of chopper device will work. Cut out stems and chop to desired consistency.
Step 2: Heat oil in large skillet. Saute onions for about 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. *What I do: Saute onions. Then I garlic press 2-3 cloves. I like more garlic. Plus, it makes the house smell delicious!
Step 3: Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover the sauce and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Then you're done! What to do next? Put in small container and freeze. Make pizza, breadsticks, or anything else to dip. Give away to neighbors! It just tastes so000 good! Bonus: Breadstick recipe coming soon!