What Makes Today Special?

Did you know that if you search a date, like today, one of the things that will pop up is Wikipedia – filled with seemingly useless information. For example today is 176th day of the year, unless it’s a leap year, and then it would be 177th. (No kidding!) Leap year or not only 189 days remain until the end of the year.

In 1910 Congress passed a bill prohibiting interstate transportation of women or girls for “immoral purposes”, it was called the Mann Act. The language was so ambiguous that it would be used for selective prosecution for years to come. It never quit explained what would constitute immoral. I would think transporting a child across state lines to marry an old man would be immoral, wouldn’t you?

Obviously I was looking for some inspiration to begin today’s Italian Inspired share. This is the best I could come up with. I know, the Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) was fought on this day in 1876. In 1950, the Korean Warm began. Heck, I’d be willing to bet just about any date can be connected to a battle or the start of a war at some point in history. Which is why all I care about at the moment is getting busy in my kitchen.

What makes today special? The sun came up on yet another beautiful day of the Lord. It doesn’t get much more special than that. Here’s hoping you are having a wonderful day

Dueling Italian Sausage Spaghetti
1 Carrot
1/4 Yellow Onion
3 Garlic Cloves
1 lb Hot Italian Sausage
1 lb Mild Italian Sausage
2 Bay Leaves
1 (14 oz) can Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes
1 (24 oz) jar Tomato Pasta Sauce
1/2 cup Red Wine
16 oz Spaghetti Pasta

Just a quick note on the wine – it’s said never cook with a wine you aren’t willing to drink. I don’t know about you, but I’m not pouring a $60.00 plus bottle of wine in my spaghetti sauce. I say use a wine you like to cook with, even it if has a screw top.

For the Sausage Pasta Sauce:
Finely chop carrots, onion and garlic. Set aside until ready to use.

In a lightly oiled large CAST IRON skillet, crumble Italian Sausages over medium heat. Cook meat, breaking up into small pieces as it browns. Once meat has cooked through, drain well and return to skillet.

Add chopped garlic, carrots, onion, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and wine. Top with bay leaves. Bring to a full boil, lower heat and allow to simmer until ready to serve.

The longer the sauce simmers, the more intense the flavors. For best results, sauce should be allowed to simmer for a minimum of 1 hour for flavors to mature and sauce to thicken. If sauce becomes too dry, thin with a splash or two of wine. Remove bay leaves just before serving.

For the Spaghetti:
Bring a pot of well-salted water to a full boil.

Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al-dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well. DO NOT RINSE!

To Serve:
Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Remove bay leaves from sauce, pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat well.

Serve with warm garlic bread, toss salad and a nice glass of wine.

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Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of Your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for Your name’s sake.