Rough Times

In light of recent economic events, it becomes clear that knowing how to save money will be useful in the future. I don't invest and I don't own a home so my situation hasn't really changed much, mostly because I can't afford to. Limited financial aide and a lack of assistantships makes it difficult to do anything but buy groceries, pay for gas, and the occassional night out (without those I would be in bad shape). So in light, I figured I would share some of my recipes that keep me from buying over-price, high sodium, and full of preservative foods at the grocery store. One thing that I try to keep stocked in the freezer is marinara sauce. The following recipe was inspired by Giada De Laurentis with a few modifications. I'll make a large pot of it, divy it up into 2 cup portions, and freeze them. They last for abou 6 months and are great for a quick go to meal.

RECIPE OF THE DAY: MARINARA SAUCE

3Tbs olive oil
1 onion minced
5 cloves of garlic minced
2 carrots, minced
2 stalks of celery, minced
2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
2 Tbs tomato paste
1/4c chopped parsley
2 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat up oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until soft. Add carrot and celery (I will sometimes mince these in a food processor to save on time) along with salt and pepper. Saute vegetables until fragrant and soft. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, and basil. Mix together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Turn down heat to med-low and allow to simmer for about an hour to allow flavors to blend.