Simple Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Onion	1/4 C
Garlic cloves	4
Oil	1 Tbsp
Tomato sauce	4 C
Basil	1 Tbsp
Marjoram	2 tsp
Oregano	1 tsp
Thyme	1 tsp

Chop onion fine, and crush garlic.
Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion, and saute 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 3 minutes more.
Add tomato sauce, basil, marjoram, oregano, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.

I find the flavors blend better if the sauce is allowed to sit for a few hours, or even overnight, and then reheated.

It's also a great crockpot recipe, left on low for 5-6 hours. Add the meatballs just before serving.

Simply Frugal -- Herbs and Spices

Herb and Spices
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

The flavors you add to the basic foods can change a cornmeal concoction from Southern USA to Southern Italy with just a pinch of dried herbs.

If you live in a town with a food coop or a natural foods store, you can probably buy these in bulk at prices that are far less than the itty bitty jars on the shelf in the grocery store. If not, stock up first with cinnamon, chili powder, ginger, and vanilla extract, and add the rest as the budget allows.

Allspice
Basil
Bay leaf
Celery seed
Chili powder
Cinnamon
Cumin
Curry powder
Cloves
Dill weed
Ginger
Marjoram
Mustard, dry
Nutmeg
Oregano
Paprika
Peppercorns
Red pepper flakes
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme

Extremely Frugal recipes only use
Cinnamon, chili powder, and ginger.