Cavey’s Colossal Shrimp Cocktail

With the New Year’s Eve celebrations set for tomorrow, I thought I’d share one of the favorite appetizers we will enjoy in the Cavehold as we ring in 2016. In fact, we bring this one out just about anytime we are celebrating anything. Take a bite of one of these plump, succulent, delicious decapod crustaceans and you’ll be adding this shrimp cocktail recipe to your next fete’s menu, too! Best of all, the recipe is SO easy … just the way I like ’em!!

INGREDIENTS

2 Pounds Of Jumbo Black Tiger Prawns – shell on, deveined
4 Quarts Cold Water
2 Tablespoons World Spice Merchants “Classic Crab”
1 Tablespoon Whole Black Peppercorns
1 Preparation of Cave’s Quick Cocktail Sauce
OPTIONAL: Replace 1 cup of the water with a can of your favorite beer

RECIPE

Place shrimp in large colander and quickly rinse with cool water and drain. If frozen, DO NOT defrost.
NOTE: I prefer the “U-12” Black Tiger Shrimp found at Costco. They are already deveined, yet still have the shells on … plus, they are so tasty! That said, any uncooked colossal shrimp (12-14 per pound) should work just fine.

Fill large stock pot with water (add beer, if so inclined), World Spice Merchants “Classic Crab” spice blend, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 10 minutes. Return to boil and add shrimp. Reduce flame and cook until prawns are pink and opaque throughout (about 5-8 minutes if frozen, 3-5 minutes if not) – shrimp will usually float when done.
NOTE: You can substitute the World Spice Merchants Classic Crab with Old Bay Seasoning or other seafood-boil spices. Though, I would recommend adding a Bay Leaf, mustard seed, and other spices/herbs to make up for the difference in flavor.

When done, immediately strain shrimp in a large colander. Then quickly place prawns into an ice bath until fully cooled. Again, quickly strain shrimp well.
NOTE: It is important not to let the shrimp sit in the cooling water too long. They can absorb water like a sponge, ruining their taste and texture.
HINT: We like to reserve the cooking broth as it makes a great base for seafood soups, cioppino, etc. Just let it cool, put it into a container, and freeze it until ready for use.

Next, shell the shrimp. If you do it right, you can take off the the shells and remove the legs in one motion, as displayed below. I also like to leave the tail and last section of shell on. Not only does it give the dish a stylish presentation, but acts as a little handle for you and your guests to use when eating it.

You can either serve them immediately or refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready, just plate them on a large ice-filled platter with a small ramekin of Cave’s Quick Cocktail Sauce in the center. Have another empty ramekin nearby for the discarded tails. Now just dip and enjoy! And, most importantly, have a happy, healthy, and happening New Year!

Prep Time = 20 minutes
Cooking Time = 2-6 minutes
Serves 6-12

©2015 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Killer Chili Rojo (Red Pork) Tamales

I gave you my Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamale recipe a few months back. Though, I probably should have posted it’s carnivore counterpart sooner, I felt, with Christmas right around the corner, now would be a perfect time to share it. While this remains a labor intensive recipe, it really is a very easy dish to pull off. Besides, if you gather your masses together for an assembly line when it comes time to actually fill and roll the tamales, it goes by very quickly. When you finally unwrap one and take a bite, you’ll forget about all the steps involved!

INGREDIENTS

Chili Rojo (Meat Filling):
1 Preparation of Chili Rojo Rub
2.5 Pounds Pork Butt (Shoulder) Roast
1/2 Red Onion
5 Cloves Garlic – Smashed
1 Teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt
1 1/2 Cups Red Chili Sauce
1 1/2 Cup Chili Rojo Stock – Reserved

Masa (Dough):
5 Cups Tamal (Instant Masa Mix)
4 1/2 Cups Vegetable Stock
1/2 Cup Chili Rojo Stock – Reserved
2 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1.5 Teaspoon Salt
2 1/8 Cups Vegetable Shortening
1 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 Package Hoja (Dried Corn Husks)

RECIPE

Follow the instructions for one preparation of Chili Rojo Rub.

Cover pork butt roast liberally with the rub. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, place on a plate, and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, remove the roast from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before you are ready to start cooking. Slice onion into quarters. Peel and smash garlic cloves.

Place pork roast into a stock pot. Cover with water by 2-3 inches. Add onion, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2.5 – 3 hours, until fall-apart tender.

When done, remove the pork roast from the stock pot and place onto a large platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then shred meat with two forks or, if you have them, meat claws. Be sure to separate the meat from the fat, and discard the latter.

Reserve 2 cups of the meat stock (1 1/2 for the meat, 1/2 for the masa) and set aside.

Place the shredded meat into a large sauce pot, add Red Chili Sauce and reserved meat stock, and heat uncovered over a low flame for 20 minutes. Stir often.
NOTE: You’ll likely have some left over meat filling. Don’t sweat it, it makes for a great version of Carnitas!

Cover the Hoja (corn husks) with cool water for at least 40 minutes. When thoroughly soaked, squeeze excess water out then place into a colander to allow rest of excess water to drip out. Do not let the husks dry completely – they must be moist and pliable when wrapping the tamales.
HINT: Place a heavy plate on top of the husks so that they stay completely submerged.

While the meat filling is simmering and the Hojas soaking, make your Masa (dough). Place shortening into mixer and whip it until silky (3-4 minutes). Yes, Devo fans. I said, whip it. Whip it good!

Meanwhile, place all the dry ingredients (Tamal, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper) into a large mixing bowl and whisk together.

Add vegetable stock and meat stock to dry ingredients. Using your hands, mix well until evenly distributed.

Add ingredients from mixing bowl to whipped shortening. Again, whip it until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). And yes, again, whip it good!

Now’s the time to gather the clan and press them into service. Pop open a cold one, put on some good tunes, and make a party of it!
Place one of the large Hoja (husks) on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the masa (dough) onto it. Now, this is where some tamale veterans may cringe, but I have found that this next step makes things go much faster and smoother. Take a small piece of plastic wrap and place it over the masa. With your hand, smooth and spread the masa out evenly, leaving several inches from the bottom of the husk, a couple inches from the top and far edge, and less than an inch from the near edge. The masa layer should be about 1/4″ thick. Remove the plastic wrap and set aside to use again. Then, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the Chili Rojo (meat filling) into the center of the masa.
HINT: If your Hoja are on the smaller side, just overlap two of them by a few inches to make one big leaf. Use a rubber spatula to spread a little masa on the near edge of the bottom husk to act as “glue”.

This is where a history of being a Hippie or Rastafarian, comes in handy. Take the near side of the Hoja and fold it over the the far edge. With your fingertips, lightly press the edges of the masa down to seal in the meat. Then, while holding down the far edge of the husk, push down and draw back the near edge of the husk an inch or two so that the masa forms a sealed tube, of sorts. Now, fold up the bottom (narrow) end of the Hoja, making sure it is snug up to the bottom of the filling. Finally, roll the entire thing away from you, over the remaining flap, and …

… KaBOOOOOOOM! You have a tamale!! Most folks say tying up the open end of your tamale is optional. But, tying them up with a strip of Hoja keeps all the ingredients inside, and also helps make them look better when done.

Once you have formed all of your tamales, fill the bottom of a large steamer pot with water, place the steam insert into the bottom, and cover it with several Hoja leaves. Stack the finished tamales standing up in the steamer. Bring the water to a boil and cover the steamer, allowing the tamales to steam for about 60 minutes.
HINT: You’ll notice that the one tamale I didn’t tie up leaked out the top. Which is why I strongly urge you to give them the “50 Shades Of Grey” treatment.

When you think they are done, remove one to test. When it has cooled sufficiently, unwrap it and enjoy. If it has steamed sufficiently, remove the rest from the steamer. Serve with avocado, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, rice and beans … you name it! These also freeze very well for future use. Just re-steam them or nuke ’em in the microwave, once they have defrosted.

Give these a try … you won’t be disappointed. I’ve had several Hispanic friends swear me to secrecy that they actually liked these better than their Mom’s. Don’t worry, amigos … I’m not naming names! 😉

Marinate Time = 24 Hours
Prep Time = 90 minutes
Cooking Time = 4 Hours
Makes 28-32 Tamales

©2015 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Super Bowl Chili Anyone?

I know what you’re saying. “Hey! Cave!! What’s the deal?!? You haven’t posted anything since last year!!!”. Well, a) It’s only been a month since last year, and b) you’re right!
BTW, can you believe January 2011 is already gone??? Impossible, right?!?
But, I digress. I promise to get back on the horse. Right now! In fact, I have two new recipes I will post up in the next few days. However, before we get to something new, we have to resurrect an old favorite in honor of the impending Super Sunday (one of the few silver linings I find in January’s demise). And, what Super Bowl gathering is truly complete without some award winning homemade chili? The question is rhetorical, of course, since the answer is unquestionably obvious.
So, we’d be remiss if we didn’t offer up this reminder of what our 2+2 Tequila Chili is all about. According to most, it’s all about the “yummmmmmmmmmmm!”. If you like two kinds of meat; plump beans; sauteed onions; and a multitude of seasonings, sauces, and herbs combining to make a flavor explosion in your mouth, then you are likely to agree. It’s easy to make, and even better the next day. Allowing you to make it ahead of time and enjoy more of the big game festivities, rather than be enslaved to the kitchen when the big play (or killer commercial) is on the screen. Besides, don’t you want your Super Meal to look something like this:

‘Nuff said? 😉 ENJOY!!

©2011 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Grilled Teriockeye Salmon (with Mangocado Salsa)

Super easy to make … but, also super easy to mess up! However, if you do it right, your taste buds will be doing a victory dance!!

INGREDIENTS

1 Large Fresh Sockeye Salmon Filet (approximately 2 pounds or more)
1/3 Cup Teriyaki Sauce
2 Tablespoons World Spice Merchants Pacific Seafood Rub
1 Preparation Mangocado Salsa

RECIPE

As I said, this is easy to mess up. The first step is crucial: choosing your Salmon filet. Make sure it is fresh, wild caught, and preferably Sockeye Salmon. While any genre of this anadromous fish would work, there is something to be said about the incredible flavor and texture that the dark red meat of the Sockeye holds. If you can get your hands on some Copper River Sockeye, it’s even better! DO NOT remove the skin.

Place your filet, skin side down, on a suitably sized platter with raised edges. Cover with teriyaki sauce (I truly prefer the Trader Joe’s Island Teriyaki). Then, turn the filet over so that the skin side is now up. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for no more than 20 minutes.
NOTE #1: This is another step that can be easily bobbled. If you marinate the fish too long, the flesh can become mushy and loose all it’s natural flavor. The teriyaki sauce should compliment this dish, not dominate it!

After marinating, turn filet back over (skin side down) and evenly sprinkle the Pacific Seafood Rub over the fish.

Pre-heat grill to a medium-high heat (about 300° to 325°). When grill is ready, create an indirect heat area for the fish and then coat the grill grate with non-stick spray.
NOTE #2: As you can see the spray will create flame ups. Be sure to keep the can as far from the flame source as possible. Also, use short blasts of spray to prevent any dangerous flare ups which could cause you to loose your Caveperson coat (ie. singe your body hair)!

Place filet over the indirect-heat area of your grill. Spoon some of the extra teriyaki sauce on top of the fish. Cover grill and allow to cook for about 5 minutes before checking on the fish.

Normally, it shouldn’t take more than 6-8 minutes to fully cook. Fish should have the beginnings of a nice crust on the edges and be firm, but not flaky, to the touch. If it’s still a little squishy, give it another minute or two.
NOTE #3: This is the last step that could end up in fouled fish. Overcooked fish becomes dry and, again, looses much of it’s natural flavor. In fact, it’s better to undercook it rather than the reverse.

Using a large metal spatula, remove filet from grill and allow to set for a minute. Then, cut into serving sized portions and top with generous scoops of Mangocado Salsa. Plate with your favorite sides. Pictured here with rice pilaf and fresh, steamed New England clams.

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Marinate Time = 15-20 minutes
Cook Time = 6-8 minutes
Serves 6-8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at https://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Rockin’ Guac

As promised in Freezer Food Fest #10, here is my recipe for some killer guacamole. It doesn’t hurt that I get some phenomenal homegrown avocados, courtesy of the Cave-in-laws!

INGREDIENTS

3-4 Medium Avocados, ripened
1 Medium-Large Roma Tomato
1/4 Cup Sweet Onion, minced
1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 Fresh Lime
1/4 tsp World Spice Merchants Ancho Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Tapatio Sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

First, make sure you enlist the help of a good sous chef. Not only do things go faster, it’s a lot more fun to cook with some one else … especially if it’s your kid!

With a sharp knife, cut avocados in half, lengthwise. Score the avocado into 1/2 inch square sections, being careful not to cut through the skin. Then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the avo and place into a medium-large bowl.

Chop tomato and cilantro, mince garlic and onion, and place into the bowl. Add chili powder, Tapatio Sauce, salt, and pepper, as well.
HINT #1: I like to use Garlic Salt instead of regular for this recipe.

Take a fork and begin to mix all the ingredients well. Continue until the avocado starts to smooth a bit, yet leaving some chunks, as well.

Squeeze the juice from the lime section onto mixture and mix in well.

At this point taste the guac and adjust seasonings as needed. Place into bowl and serve immediately, or cover air-tight and refrigerate until needed (not more than 4 hours for freshest flavor and color)
HINT #2: Reserve one avocado pit and place into center of completed and plated guacamole. It not only looks kind of cool, but it also helps it from turning color too soon. No one likes guac that isn’t green!

RECIPE UPDATE: Lately, I have taken to switching out the chili powder and Tapatio Sauce for a small jalapeño pepper (veined, seeded, and minced), and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It really takes this already rockin’ recipe to the next level!

Prep Time = 15 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Serves 4-8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

BTA Turkey Sandwich

No, BTA doesn’t stand for Bacon, Tomato, Avocado. Though, the latter two are part of this sub sandwich. Rather, it stands for Better Than Average … which it is! 😉

INGREDIENTS

1/4 Pound Sliced Turkey
1-2 Slices of Cheese
1/4 Avocado, ripened
1 Lettuce Leaf
2-3 Slices of Tomato
1-2 Slices of Sweet Onion, shaved
1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise (or other condiments)
1 tsp. Olive Oil
2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 tsp. World Spice Merchants Italian Herbs or TSS Italian Herbs & Cheese
1 Sandwich Roll

RECIPE

Slice your roll lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through the crust on one side.
HINT #1: Believe it or not, the choice of roll is one of the most important steps in making this sandwich rock. Fortunately, our local market has a bakery that makes incredible sub rolls.
Spread your condiments evenly on both halves of the roll. I use lite-mayo to try and make it a little healthier. But, you can use regular mayo, pesto-mayo, mustard, 1000 Island, etc., or any combination thereof.
On the bottom half of the roll evenly place your turkey slices. Then add your cheese slices.
NOTE: I usually use Swiss Cheese, but we were out of everything except for the kids’ String Cheese. So, I just pulled it apart and used that. Any of your favorite hard or semi-hard cheeses will work well.
Next, add your lettuce leaf, tomato slices and shaved onion. On the top half of the roll lay your avocado slices. Sprinkle the Italian herbs over the sandwich. Then, drizzle your oil and vinegar over the sandwich.

I also like to add pickle slices to my sandwich (not pictured because I forgot them until just before my first bite, and I was too lazy and hungry to re-shoot it ;)). You can also throw any of your other favorite veggies on there including cucumbers, mushrooms, peppers (marinated Red Peppers work really well), etc. Be creative … a sandwich is only limited by your imagination!
Enjoy with some chips, pasta salad, side salad, mac salad, etc. Served here with Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips (again, trying to be a little healthier).
HINT #2: To make closing this sandwich up easier, and to be able to slice it easily, take a large sharp knife and lay it against the ingredients on the bottom half of the sandwich firmly enough to hold everything in place without squishing them. Simultaneously, fold the top half over the knife, and then smoothly slide the knife out of the sandwich.

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Serves 1

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Steak ala Cave

I have several ways of preparing a steak. But, this is the one I do most often … by far!

INGREDIENTS

1 Steak, approximately 16 oz.
2 Tbsp. Teriyaki Sauce
2 tsp. World Spice Merchants Bar-H Beef rub

RECIPE

The first step in this recipe begins at the store. Choose a steak with good marbling, and trimmed well – just leaving a thin 1/4″ fat layer on the sides. The marbling will provide good flavor and should add to the meat’s tenderness. Trimming makes sure you aren’t wasting your money on useless fat, though you want some to remain to keep the steak juicy and tender. Also, look for a nice red to maroon color. When the meat has sat there a while it starts to go to more of a very dark burgundy color, and once it starts to turn brown don’t buy it!
NOTE: These were called T-Bone steaks at the store. But, with such big Fillet sections these could have been called Porterhouses! Plus, they were on sale … score!!

Take half the teriyaki sauce and spread evenly over one side of the steak. Take half of the rub and sprinkle evenly, as well. Turn steak over and repeat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours. No need to add salt as the sauce and rub already have plenty.
HINT #1: I strongly recommend the use of Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki sauce. It has flavor and seasonings that most teriyaki sauces lack. Also, if you don’t have the Bar-H Beef rub (again, highly recommended) use the World Spice Montreal Steak Spice. The store-bought brands have too much salt for my tastes, but can be used as well.

I suggest grilling your steak on a BBQ. If the weather won’t cooperate, go ahead and put that baby under the broiler for 3-5 minutes per side. When ready to cook, remove steak from the fridge and heat grill. I like to get my hood temperature to at least 450°, which should translate to a grill temp of at least 500°. Place the steaks on the grill, close lid, and immediately reduce heat by 30%. Cook for 2-3 minutes and flip steaks. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, flip again. Repeat process once more so that each side gets over the heat twice. Steak should end up with a nice pink color throughout. Served here with baked potato and Sautéed Shrooms.
HINT #2: Have some water handy to control any flame ups … I always barbeque armed with a squirt gun to protect the meat from getting burnt.

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Cook Time = 8-12 minutes
Serves 1-2

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Freezer Food Fest #6

It’s official! We’re moving!! So, I have been given a “request” by the Cavewoman to empty the freezer before we hit the road. The pressure is on!

It’s done! Our house has officially closed escrow, and we are officially squatters. Actually, part of the sale allows us to stay in the house for a month and a half gratis. This gives me about 40 days to attempt to complete my glacial gastronomic quest. Plenty of time … uh, huh! 😐
Fortunately, when I was pulling the Tri-tip out of the box for Freezer Food Fest #5, I came across some cold-hardened bacon. Sure, it wasn’t the biggest thing in there, and didn’t clear out much room. But, it was better than having to cannonball my way in there to find something to further the goal … because a clean freezer is a happy freezer.
Plus, it didn’t hurt that the Cavekids have recently discovered the joys of bacon. In fact, their bacon-celebration is somewhat akin to the dog in the “Beggen’ Strips” commercial. So it was, as the pig belly hit the griddle, began sizzling, and sent heavenly vapors wafting through the Cavehold that the short people came running into the kitchen and, upon discovering this meaty delight was destined for their gullet, launched into a victory dance that still has me rolling.
However, man, pre-historic or modern, can’t live by pork products alone. So, I whipped up a Cave Scramble and some Cavetaters, sliced up some oranges from the backyard tree we will dearly miss, and had a beautiful breakfast feast.
Now, though, I have to face the Arctic Beast again and continue my ice-chilled crusade. Unfortunately, there is no more bacon in sight! You think frozen peas will get the same rousing reception???

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Cave Scramble

Scrambled eggs aren’t boring in the Cavehold. This day starter will get you going with incredible flavor!

INGREDIENTS

4 Large Eggs
2 Tbsp. Milk
1 Tbsp. Sour Cream
1 Tbsp. Dried Chopped Onion
1/4 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
1/2 tsp. World Spice Merchants Montreal Steak Spice or Biscayne Citrus Rub
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper to tatse

RECIPE

Place all ingredients EXCEPT cheddar cheese into a bowl and beat until smooth.

Heat a non-stick skillet or omelette pan over a medium flame. If using a traditional pan, melt a 1/2 tablespoon of butter in pan. Scramble eggs as usual.

When you have done your final flip, quickly add cheese on top of eggs, cover pan, and turn off flame. Allow pan to sit for about a minute until cheese is fully melted.

Serve with all your usual breakfast faves including some Cavetaters.

Prep Time = 10 minutes
Cook Time = 5-7 minutes
Serves 2-4

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Italian Sauce

Traditionally known as “gravy”. Commonly known as “pasta sauce”. But, I call it “Italian Sauce” because it can be used on so much more than pasta!

INGREDIENTS

29 oz. Can of Tomato Sauce (preferably Hunts or Contadina)
6 oz. Can of Tomato Paste (preferably Hunts or Contadina)
2 Roma Tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 Medium Sweet Onion, finely chopped
3-4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1.5 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Red Wine
2 Tbsp. World Spice Merchants “Italian Herbs”
2 tsp. Red Crushed Chili Pepper
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper

RECIPE

Chop onion and tomatoes, and mince garlic. Set aside.

In a medium/large sauce pan heat oil. Then add garlic, onions and ONE tablespoon of the Italian Herbs, saute until they start to become translucent.

Add tomatoes and continue to saute until they become soft.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, chili pepper, remaining Italian Herbs, garlic salt and pepper and stir well.
HINT #1: In a pinch, you can substitute a 30+ oz. bottle of basic pasta sauce instead of the tomato sauce and paste. If you do, omit the salt, pepper and 1/2 a teaspoon of the herbs.

Cover and simmer for at least two hours (the longer the better) over the smallest flame possible. Stir often.

Serve over your favorite pasta, use in your favorite lasagna or chicken parmesan recipe, or makes a great sauce for homemade pizza.
HINT #2: While this version is veggie-friendly, the carnivore crowd will be pleased to know that browning a pound of ground beef in the oil, onions, garlic and herbs (just before adding the tomatoes) turns this into a great meat sauce. You can also add some grilled Italian sausage or homemade meatballs to this sauce 1/2 hour before serving over pasta for a great main course.

Prep Time = 12 minutes
Cook Time = 2.25 hours
Serves 6-8

©2009 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at https://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.