Italian Gift Basket

Roasted Bell Pepper Spaghetti Sauce
2 - 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (to give it a kick)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In small baking pan place onion, bell pepper and olive oil; bake for 30 minutes.

In large pot add the rest of your ingredients and cook on medium to low heat. When your peppers and onions are done, add them to your pot.

Simmer for one hour, so the flavors will marry.

Now for my little trick on canning. I wash my mason jars in the dish washer to get them hot, and boil the lids in a small sauce pan. After your spaghetti sauce is ready, pour into mason jar, seal the lid, and turn upside down over night, so it will seal it and push the air out.

In the Italian basket, I bought a strainer, Italian dressing (for the salad), noodles, Christmas kitchen hand towel, a little candle, my homemade spaghetti sauce, and for this one a cute set of  measuring spoons. I'm actually giving this one to my friend Kelly, she told me the other day, she couldn't find any measuring spoons. I love mine, that my other friend Stephanie had given me years ago, and went back to get Kelly some. Also, I'm wrapping it up with my spaghetti sauce recipe tied to the bow.

So easy and its a gift you put love into.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!