Dinner, A Love Story

Last week, I went to the library on a whim and struck gold. I had seen a few people talk about this book and instantly knew I had to pick it up and I was so so glad I did. While the other books where kinda underwhelming this one stood out in my mind. I can not wait to buy it and have it as my own. All of you should go out and get Dinner: A Love Story. 

 The author used to work for Real Simple, which is part of the reason why I love her so much. The book is organized, has great information, tips and advice on how to get dinner on the table every night. What I think my favorite part is, is the stories that go along with each of the sections. It starts out with meals Jenny and her husband cooked together when it was just the two of them and it continues with meals they cooked as their family grew. It's a food memoir and cookbook all in one which I absolutely love.

The recipe that hooked me immediately was her lazy bolognese sauce.So simple and fast to throw together, not to complicated and clear directions any one could follow. After reading the recipe I knew it was one I had to try right away.

 Lazy Bolognese from Dinner: A Love Story

A few glugs of olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground turkey or beef (we used beef)
1 T tomato paste
1 tsp fennel seeds (we didn't have any so I skipped this)
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup dry wine
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in their juices
dried oregano
1 pound short tubular pasta (ziti, rigatoni, penne)

Add oil to medium saucepan on medium-low heat and add onion, garlic, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Cook until onion has wilted (about 2 minutes).

Push onion mixture to side and turn up heat slightly. Add ground meat and break up with fork as it cooks. Once most of pink is gone stir in onion mixture. (make sure to strain out the grease if using beef)

Add tomato paste, fennel seeds, sugar and wine, stir everything together. Raise heat to medium-high and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in tomatoes and oregano. Bring sauce to a boil and then turn to low heat and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.

While sauce is simmering, start water for pasta. Toss sauce with pasta and serve.

Everyone in my family loved this sauce and I can't wait to make it again. Hope you enjoy!