Grandma Angie's Spaghetti Sauce

(by Nefertiti DiCosmo)

1 T. olive oil

1/2 c. chopped green peppers

1/2 c. chopped onions

1 garlic clove, chopped

6 oz. tomato paste

16 oz. tomato sauce

1 T. + 1/2 t. garlic powder, separated

1 T. + 1/2 t. Italian seasoning, separated

1 T. + 1/2 t. dried oregano, separated

1 T. dried basil

1 T. ground black pepper

salt

pinch of cumin

pinch of paprika

1 1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey

16 oz. diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

1 T. sugar

Heat olive oil in a saucepan, and sauté green peppers, onions, and garlic.

Set aside.

In a separate pot, combine tomato paste, tomato sauce, 1 T. garlic powder, 1 T. Italian seasoning, 1 T. dried oregano, 1 T. dried basil, 1 T. ground black pepper, pinch of salt, pinch of cumin, and pinch of paprika.

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add sautéed vegetables to the sauce, and simmer while you cook the meat.

In a separate pot, cook ground beef or turkey with 1/2 t. garlic powder, 1/2 t. Italian seasoning, 1/2 t. oregano, and 1/2 t. salt until browned.

Drain meat of excess fat, and add to the sauce.

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and sugar.

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve with your favorite pasta.

(Read Bittersweet Lullaby, the story that accompanies this recipe.)