Hey everyone! Here we are, another Monday, and another opportunity to start the week right (yes, for all of us!). I just wrapped (what is to this busy lady) a big accomplishment over the weekend, and that is the giant book that is the biography of Steve Jobs. The quote above is used in the closing few passages in the book, and it's one that I think I will carry with me for a while.
Growth being what makes our world go 'round, I can't stress enough how affirmed I am in the importance of pushing forward in this life. Time doesn't stop and neither should we, just so long as we do so sensibly, and with awareness. Living with less in all manner of ways: less clutter, less excess, less food, whatever your 'less' is.....that is what (IMHO) allows us to become free to enjoy the forward motion of our time here with more ease, and more freedom, and more energy. Letting go of the excess to make way for what really makes you tick. Clear path. Clear vision. Clear you. Clear me. What does clarity mean to you?
Since last year, Not So Fast has been cooking with elementary school kids in the DTES here in Vancouver. Every week we meet in a fluorescent lit kitchen to chop & mash & bake & chat. We cook healthy simple foods, share stories from our weeks, and send the kids home with food and the same easy recipes. This simple act of connecting nourishes my soul (and those of my truly amazing team), and provides a means to further our mission with exacting clarity. It just feels right, and is just one small part of what we can do.
Today's recipe is one we shared with the group a few weeks back, and it's an absolute classic. I know there are a million recipes for tomato sauce out there, but here's mine (I've been making a version of this since, well, forever). I can't recall how I came up with it, but it's so easy & so good, I've a feeling it might become your favorite too (if you are looking for that sort of thing). Using pretty much straight up kitchen pantry staples, you won't find yourself without likely any of these ingredients.
Classic Tomato Pasta Sauce
- (2) tbsp olive oil
- (1) small yellow onion
- (1) tsp salt (or to taste)
- (1) large tin (296 ml) of chopped or whole tomatoes (roughly chop if using whole)
- (1) small can tomato paste (156 ml)
- (1) garlic clove, minced or a few pinches garlic powder
- (1/2-1) cup water
- (1) tbsp honey
- (1) tsp dried basil
- Additional olive oil as desired
Start by dicing the yellow onion. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan and then add the onion. Cook the onion and salt, stirring, for 5-8 minutes until golden and starting to lightly brown.
Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and (1/2) cup water and stir well. Cover the pot part way and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, until the onion is soft. Add the basil & honey and stir well, add more water if the mixture is too thick. Check for desired thickness and add up to (1/2) cup of water if desired. Cook for a further 10-15 minutes over medium heat.
Serve over your favourite pasta, with or without a few chopped fresh herbs or parmesan cheese on top.
