Testa Dura Sauce

My family on my dad's side were born in Calabria, so he is Calabrese. The word Tetsa Dura means hard headed, and the 2 words Calabria and Testa Dura go hand in hand. Not that I'm saying my family is hard headed, just don't ask them about making " white pasta sauces" they won't acknowledge it as belonging with pasta!


28 oz can of Tomatoes
Olive oil to coat bottom of pan
1 medium onion, chopped

4 chopped garlic clove
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
1 tsp sugar

1/2 can of tomato paste
dash of chili peppers
teaspoon basil
teaspoon parsley

In a food processor chop the tomatoes

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Cook the  onion and garlic stirring frequently until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomatoes,salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to first signs of boiling and reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 1 hour. Then add the tomato paste, basil, and parsley dash of chili peppers and simmer 30 minutes longer. Serve.

Use on tortellini or any quick pasta. Also good for Chicken Parmigiana.

My Italian Burger

Everyone keeps telling me how much they love these burgers..... so it's time to share :-) The secret I'm sure are the onions in the mix!

Keep in mind the measurements are very random... it all depends on how many your making, so I'll tell ya what's in 'em, and you can adjust :-) This is gauged on 4 burgers ( big ones )

Ground Beef

1 egg

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 TBLsp parsley

1 Medium chopped onion

sprinkling of garlic salt

1 TBSLsp basil

1 shake of cayenne

1 shake of paprika

sprinkle of coriander

salt

pepper

A handful of Parmesan cheese

Mix it all together and BBQ

My favorite burger is one with toasted buns and fried onions. Serve with an assortment of toppings and enjoy!

Brushetta

What can you say about Bruschetta, except that it is good!

4 Large tomatoes, chopped

1 minced garlic clove

1/4 of an onion chopped

3/4 Tbsp of basil

drop of lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground pepper

1/8 tsp thyme

1/8 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp parsley

Mix all ingredients together and let sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

If you want to make your own toasted breads;

chop some garlic up and saute in pan, add your slices of the baguette and toast in the pan both sides.

Enjoy your yummy bruschetta :-)