SPAGHETTI SAUCE

2lbs Roma tomatoes, chopped or pureed (or 1 large 28oz. can crushed or pureed)
3-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped or 2 T. dried
1/4 c. fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 T. dried)
2lbs Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
1 T. olive oil
2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce (or equivalent of fresh tomato puree)
1 can diced tomatoes, 15 oz. (or chopped fresh)
1 can tomato paste, 6 oz.
1 t. sugar

Saute the sausage in 1T olive oil until browned.  Drain fat and add to a large soup pot (size?).
Add remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 2 hours… the Italian way to do it is to start it in the morning and let it simmer all day.  The crock pot works nicely if you will not be around to check and stir.  Thickness may be modified to your liking by adding more or less tomato product, i.e. thicken with tomato paste, or thin with stewed tomatoes or sauce.

I prefer to cook large batches and freeze for future use.

ROASTED VEGETABLES

I eggplant, diced into chunks (peeling is optional)
2-4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
1lb green beans
6oz. fresh mushrooms
2 zucchini, sliced
olive oil

Seasonings:
salt
basil, fresh
oregano
*Option: fresh rosemary

Optional vegetables:
Onions, carrots, Brussels sprouts, beets

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Rinse and cut your selection of vegetables.  Place on large cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Mix in the chopped garlic and seasonings.  Toss well so all veggies are coated with olive oil and seasonings.  Bake until desired tenderness, about 30 minutes.

This would also make a great dip if any leftovers… puree with some plain yogurt, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese, and serve warm with pita chips or raw veggies.

COWBOY BLACK-EYED PEAS

1lb dry black-eyed peas
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup diced turnips
1t. salt
1-3 dried red chili peppers, seeded and crumbled
2 ham hocks, a smoked turkey leg, or smoked turkey wings (for flavor)
6-8 cups water
Option: 1lb ham or smoked turkey, diced
              Diced turnips

Rinse and soak peas according to directions on package (overnight in cold water or 1 hour in hot water).
Drain the water and rinse peas after soaking. 

Cooking directions:
Add 6-8 cups water to drained and soaked peas. 
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 3 hours).
Remove ham hocks or smoked turkey bones. 
Serve hot, I love to mix in cooked greens!

Did you know that eating black-eyed peas on January 1 is supposed to bring good luck for the coming year?  You’ll also get a healthy dose of calcium, vitamin A, and folate.  While the consumption of legumes traditionally suggests humility, the hog symbolizes prosperity, thus its meat (the ham or ham bone in the black-eyed peas) is considered “lucky.”  When cooked, black-eyed peas swell, hence, another association to increase and abundance. 
Cabbage and other green leafy vegetables were said to be representative of green paper currency, therefore, the peas were often served with greens. 
I’ve heard it said that “If you don’t eat black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day, you’re asking for trouble!”  Bring on the “cowboy caviar!”

SAUTEED GREENS

2-3lbs fresh greens (kale, mustard, turnip, collards, or beet greens… or any combination)
½ c. red onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (more is ok if you really like garlic or have a touch of the flu!)
Olive oil
Sprinkle of fresh lemon juice
Salt to taste

Simmer all of the above in olive oil over medium heat until tender.  This makes a great side dish, goes great in a bowl of “Cowboy Black-eyed Peas”, or is nice served on a bed of your favorite pasta.  If you have any left over, try scrambling with eggs for breakfast!

I experimented with kale when spinach (one of my favorite staples) was temporarily unavailable.  I simmered it up just like spinach but embellished with some red onion, yum!  Now it’s another favorite.  For variety, try adding some of your other favorite vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and/or green beans.  I especially liked it with beet greens added.