Tomato/Spaghetti Sauce

In keeping with our committment to use the vegetables in our Bountiful Basket, we decided we needed to make something with all the tomatoes. Neither one of us likes tomatoes on their own, and since we've gotten 4-5 tomatoes the last 3 weeks, we needed to make something that would use a bunch.  We decided to try to make tomato/spaghetti sauce.  Actually turned out well.  Here is our recipe.

Ingredients
9 tomatoes
1/2 carrot
1/2 celery stalk
1 Tbs crushed garlic
1 Tbs Basil
1 1/2 Tbs Onion powder
1/8 c. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1. Bring large pot of water to boil.  In another bowl, make an ice bath.  Cut an X on the bottom of each tomato.  Place tomatoes in boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then directly into the ice bath.  Peel the tomatoes.

Step 2. Cut tomatoes in quarters and get rid of the seeds and squeeze out excess liquid.  Place tomatoes into a pot.

Step 3. Cut celery and carrot into small pieces and add to pot.  Add all other ingredients. 

Step 4.  Cover with lid on low-medium heat and allow to simmer until carrots soften. 

Step 5.  Dump contents into blender and blend until chunks are gone.

Step 6. Pour back into pot and simmer on low heat to allow all flavors to combine.  While that is simmering, prepare choice of pasta as directed on box. 

Note: We cooked chicken and chopped into small pieces.  We layered pasta, chicken, spaghetti sauce, and parmesian cheese.

Step 7. Serve and ENJOY!!