Valentine’s Sunday Sauce

There’s no better way to prove that theory than by surprising your mate with a fabulous Sunday Sauce - try it this Valentine’s day, which just happens to be, well, a Sunday!

You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time, as this is somewhat of a lengthy love affair. Start the sauce at least 6 hours before show time.

These recipes were inspired by Wegmans and Better Homes and Gardens, respectively.  I like to think of  recipes as a guide - change them up to make it your own. 

Buon Appetito!

SAUCE

• ~4lbs. bone-in country ribs
• ~3lbs. hot Italian pork (or turkey) sausage links, cut in half
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 20 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups quality red wine (or water)
• 3 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 tbsp dried basil leaves
• Heat a small amount of oil in a large sauce pot to medium-high.  Brown the ribs and sausage on all sides, set aside.  Leave browned bits in the pot.
• Reduce heat to low. Add onions to pot; cook, stirring, 8 min, until soft but not browned.  Add minced garlic, cook, stirring for 2 min.
• Raise heat to medium. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, 3-4 min, until paste begins to brown. Add wine; bring to a simmer, stirring to loosen browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add tomatoes and basil; stir to combine. Return ribs and sausage to the pot.  Bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 hours. Add meatballs;* Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.
• Transfer meats to a serving platter, let rest at least 15 min. Serve with your favorite pasta or zoodles and grated cheese.

MEATBALLS

• 2lbs. ground beef (85%)
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2c milk
• 1 t Worcestershire sauce
• 1 t salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 medium onion, fine chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Preheat the oven to 400(F) degrees.
• Mix all ingredients well and form into
• equal-size meatballs (~2”).
• Place onto a foil-lined baking tray and roast for 10 min.  *Add to sauce during the last hour of cooking.