Red Sauce

1/2 lb sausage (fine to omit if you prefer meatless sauce)

2 (28 oz size) cans whole tomatoes

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 bay leaves

rind of a parmesan cheese wheel (optional)

In a dutch oven, start browning the sausage and onions in the olive oil over medium heat. Cook and stir for 5 minutes and then add the garlic; cook for 1 minute. Empty the canned tomatoes into a bowl and crush them with your bare hands. Add the smashed tomatoes, all the seasonings, and the parmesan cheese rind to the pot. Stir together. Reduce heat to lowest low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove rind and bay leaves. Serve over pasta. This recipe generously covers 1 pound of pasta.