Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 30-35 roma tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano
• 1 cup fresh basil leaf, lighly chopped (I love a lot of basil. You may want to do a little less)
• 1/2-1 cup sugar (to taste, I prefer it sweet too!)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   Wash all ingredients very well. Start with tomatoes and water over low heat in medium pot. Slowly stir in each ingredient and continue cooking and stirring for about 1/2 hour to an hour (at least, the longer/the better). If you can, refrigerate and reheat. I don't know why, but it taste better.

2. 2

   Great Additions: Artichoke Hearts, mushrooms, chopped onion, etc are just a few great additions you can add to this recipe! I have tried all of these just based on what I have in the kitchen at the time, and it always comes out great!

3. 3

   Note: This recipe is so versatile. Serve over pasta, I prefer linquini), vegetables, or even toasted crustini bread with a bit of mozzeralla on top. It can also be served cold over sliced toasted italian bread as a brushetta -- mmm.

4. 4

   Tip: I worked in a family owned Italian restaurant in high-school. They said to stir continually and never let the sauce boil. I try every time but have yet to succeed.