Easy peasy Spaghetti Sauce

I have been making this sauce since we first got married. I really do love it. It is simple, SIMPLE! There are fantastic spaghetti recipes out and this is definitely "Americanized", but it is yummy. I just love that it tastes great and is so easy. Everyone in my family likes it. Well except for Boo but she hates dinner. Who hates dinner? Weird child. My other child actually has this for her birthday dinner.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion or 2-3 T minced onion
1 16 ounce can tomato sauce
1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
pepper to taste

Brown the ground beef on medium heat add onion and mix together. Once the meat is all brown and the onion softened drain any excess grease. Add the sauce and diced tomatoes. Add all the spices (make sure to crush them in your fingers as you add them. This brings out the flavor) and bring to a boil. Place a lid on top and let simmer 30 minutes on medium low. Stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Easy Cheesy Cheddar Sauce

I love me a good baked potato. I seem to always forget about this as a meal but when we have them I love them. I found this recipe and kind of tweaked it to have a little more kick.  My hubby was not to excited for potato bar but once he ate the sauce he was pretty hooked.  

3 T Butter
5 T flour
1 cup Chicken broth/Chicken bullion cube + water
1 cup milk or half and half
1/4 cup mayonnaise 
3 cups cheddar cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
In a medium sauce pan melt butter stir in flour. When it is well mixed add milk, mayo, and chicken broth a little at a time.  (I use a bullion cube and a cup of water.  I will put the whole cube in and add water as needed.) bring to a low boil. Add cheddar cheese until melted. Keep adding the water for the chicken broth until it is the consistence you desire.  Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Enjoy.

Toppings for Potato Bar:
Broccoli
Green Onion
Tomatoes
Bacon
Cheese sauce

Simple Barbecue Sauce

This sauce goes perfect with the Best BBQ Chicken recipe that I have. The molasses was the only thing that I didn't have on hand. My hubby found that on the syrup aisle. The Cider Vinegar is on the Vinegar aisle. It was all at my local grocery store. I think this sauce is good. I wouldn't write home about it. It is better than any store bought one I have tried but if you have a favorite this might not compare. Again this is a Martha recipe from her Everyday Food Recipe Book #54

Stupid me forgot to take a picture of the BBQ sauce before I threw it out.

3 cups Ketchup
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 cup water
1 T paprika
1 T onion powder
1 T Mustard powder
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until sauce is thickened and reduced by a third, about 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before using. (To store, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.) Enjoy!

Alfredo Sauce

I am a huge fan of Alfredo sauce. I could eat it on anything. I am also very picky. There is hardly an Alfredo that I actually enjoy. The only place that I really like is Olive Garden. Yes, if you are wondering I have eaten Alfredo at higher end restaurants. Olive Garden just happens to have the best taste to me. I have made many a sauce and finally found one that I LOVE!

3T butter
1/2 pkg. cream cheese
3/4 C Evaporated milk or half & half. (Milk works also)
1 chicken bullion cube
1/3 c Parmesan cheese
garlic salt to taste
pinch of Parsley

Melt butter, cream cheese and milk on low heat. Stir together. Then add bullion. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic to taste. You can add more milk if it is too thick. Pour over pasta of your choice. Parsley sprinkled over the top once you pour on the noodles.

This will cover about 4 cups of noodles. You can use it over Fettuccine, ravioli, or any other noodle you enjoy. The kids love this one. Enjoy!