Pleasing the heart with pasta por uno

A quiet evening alone is a perfect time to enjoy an heart-warming favorite, spaghetti with meat sauce. Not only is it hearty and satisfying for the body, it comforts the soul, making one feel warm and cozy, especially with a glass of red. The best part is that making this dish is sans stresse, and comes together rapidly. There is no pressure to make it just right for another person, because it is simply for your own self-indulgence. It's something that can be made on a whim with what's on hand, and customized to taste. Mushrooms, squash and zucchini all make great additions, as does spinach and arugula.

1 tbsp garlic, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

about 1/8 each yellow onion and green bell pepper, medium dice

1/2 roma tomato (or 1/4 hothouse or beefsteak) chopped

1 tsp each fresh rosemary, salt, black pepper

2 dashes paprika, 1 dash cayenne (for mild sausage or hamburger)

3 to 4 oz  italian sausage or hamburger (1 link or  abt 3-4 oz )

1/4 cup wine

1/2 tbsp butter

4 oz of your favorite pre-made Marinara

In a medium pan over medium heat, warm oil. Add garlic, onion and bell pepper, cooking until onion has caramelized. Add meat, tomatoes, herbs and spices, being sure to brown meat thoroughly.  Deglaze with wine and reduce, then add the butter, which will help the wine and sauce integrate, as well as flavor the vegetables. This is where wine choice is important: whereas a red wine will give the sauce a heartier, warm flavor, white wine will leave a cleaner taste and a thinner sauce and will also be more complementary to mushrooms and any greens you might add. Stir in the marinara until it comes together with the wine and vegetable sauce, then turn the heat down to a simmer to thicken.

Prepare 1/4 pound pasta, preferably linguini or spaghetti. Toss into pasta sauce, and serve with garlic bread and a nice glass of cabernet or zinfandel. Try garnishing pasta with Tillamook cheddar instead of parmesan for a richer, bolder creamier flavor.

As eclectic as this meal is, its perfect to eat on a balcony or in a garden, and it will only cost you 1/10th of what you would spend at the nearest Italian chain.