Time for another "Mother" of a sauce...

November 11, 10:36 AMTampa Inspirational Cook ExaminerJoseph Granato

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The beginning of any great tomato sauce! 

Good day Mango-heads (people who spread peace and pass out treats!)

Like a rose, whose short life is solely spent for others pleasure, so should we live... to bring happiness to those around us each and every day.   Wow, what a weekend... two great music and wine festivals to check out... Yesserie, I was laying low yesterday!  Now I am ready to start cooking up again this week...

As stated in the Jamaican me Crazy Chowdah’ recipe, there are six Mother sauces.  They are the base to an infinite variety of sauces. 

This is what is called Red sauce I.  Some people call it gravy.  You could say that this is really just good ole’ Spaghetti sauce.  Some might even call it a marinara (sort of).   No matter what you call it, if you treat it right, you know, give it a little...

... R-E-S-P-E-C-T, (the same goes in life in how you treat others...) you will have another "jewel" to add to your collection of culinary treasures.  This recipe was passed on down from my GrandMother, the grandest of all!  Gramma Yezzi, you were a “Ruby in the Gems of life”.

The main difference between Red sauce I and II is the first one is a vegetarian version.  The second version is a meat style (you can use beef bones, veal stock (or beef broth), lamb bones, chicken and pork ribs in the sauce or all of the previous). Otherwise, you have the same basic sauce.  What I usually do is make a large batch of Red Sauce I and then in smaller batches make my meat sauce or whatever variation I desire at the time.

Basic Recipe…

In a large stockpot, sweat the following…(* - See Mango’s tips)

1 – large onion, fine dice
1 – large Green Bell Pepper, fine dice (optional)
3 - Tablespoons fresh chopped garlic
Next de-glaze with…
¼ - ½ cup – good quality red wine

Next add…

2 – 18 oz. cans each of the following:
  -  Crushed tomatoes
  -  Tomato puree
-  Whole peeled tomatoes (that you chop in processor with juice)
- Tomato sauce
1 – 8 oz can of tomato paste
Spring water – add to consistency of your liking

Bring this to a simmer, then turn down to a low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, to keep from burning on the bottom.    Season with the following…

1 - bunch fresh parsley chopped*  (* - See Mango’s tips)
¼ - cup dry Italian seasonings (or a combination of fresh herbs consisting of Thyme, oregano, marjoram, rosemary)
2 – 3 Bay leaves – whole (removed at service time, if possible.  You do not want to swallow a whole leaf; they seem to not digest and could be uncomfortable when digesting, if you know what I mean!)
1 - bunch fresh basil, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste (towards the end of cooking time)

Let simmer over low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally.  You may need to add some fresh cool water to keep the consistency the way that you like.  Make sure you do not heat to fast, tomatoes will scorch fast and if you burn the bottom the sauce is “History”!!!  Now what you do with it is endless, this time my sistah’, Mango Mary, made her deeee-licious stuffed shells and my mom made the meatballs (and actually the sauce this time).  Well, it was passed on down from her, so the only place better than mine, is right from mom!

Mango’s Thoughts…

One thing in life that I have learned, at least in my own beliefs, is that I am never alone.  My Higher Power is always guiding me.  It is kind of like a lighthouse in the middle of a foggy night.  It guides the ships to shore, even though they cannot see it.  In the same way in life, our Higher Power is like a lighthouse and we are the ships.  We do not necessarily see where we are going, but if we follow our Higher Power and just let go, we will not only hit our destinations, but we may find something even better than we ever imagined. 

You know I have traveled around the country and one of my favorite places to visit is Hawaii!  Yea, I know, you are saying, “Yea, who wouldn’t like Hawaii”?!?!  Let me tell you one thing that I have learned, no matter where you go, where you live or what you do -- paradise is only found in your heart!  Believe me, Mighty Joe Mango would never lie to you.  Everywhere you go life offers its challenges.  Yes, that is what they are.  There is never a problem, only challenges!  So, if you are in Hawaii or if you are in the middle of traffic in the middle of winter somewhere up North, peace and paradise are still within you.  Wow, enough of philosophy 101, for now, that is!

Mangos Tips…

Whoa, it has been HOT here in central Florida compared to the rest of the country.  Believe me, if you just walk around a little you will start sweating.  You do not even need any suntan oil to enhance the process.  The same goes in a hot pan.  If you add your chopped vegetables to the pan, without adding any oils and bring it up to heat, the natural moisture in the vegetables will cause a steaming effect.  This will bring out the sugars and flavours in the onions, peppers and garlic.  It also tenderizes the vegetables.  This is SWEATING, Baby!!!

O.K. ... Calling all peoples out there!  Remember, this IS YOUR LIFE!  So LIVE IT!!! Don't be afraid of success!  That is right folks... alot of us are afraid of success!  Well don't be!  When you overflow with prosperity it is only easier to give MORE to others... and don't you want to give to those who are less fortunate at that moment... because in the next moment it could  be you that needs the help!  Peace love and prosperity to all!

This has been a Long "Mango moment"...