Free yourself from the tyranny of food by always eating well.
Karen Bentley

Everything Tastes Better With Sauce on It

Sauce comes from the word "salsa," which is derived from "sale" or salt. It's thought that the first sauce recipe was made from meat drippings that were mixed with salt.

Some of the best flavors in the world are found in Italian sauces. These sauces are amazingly versatile and adaptable foods that can transform almost every type of fish, poultry, meat and many veggies into a satisfying meal that's sure to please the fussiest eater. Even the most unappetizing frozen veggie or leftover can be made instantly appealing through the magic of a little sauce. Who cares about pasta when you can get the exact same taste, texture and comfort by simply combining an Italian sauce with your favorite protein or veggie dish?

Most of the sauces in this book are quick and simple to make. However, two ragus, or meat sauces, are also included. When you're eating a meat-based sauce, count it as your protein portion of the meal. The recipes are not exact rules that must be followed. Instead, consider each recipe a starting point that can be refined to your own personal preferences. If, for example, you don’t fancy a particular ingredient, then simply substitute another. Turkey or chicken sausages, for example, are great substitutes for hot Italian sausages. If you like mushrooms, add them. If you have a half pepper in your fridge, add it too. There are innumerable variations you can make.

Italian Collection

Table of Contents
Everything Tastes Better With Sauce on It

SAUCES
Quick Sauces:
- Creamed Tomato Sauce
- Gorgonzola Sauce
- Olive Tomato Sauce
- Pesto Sauce
- Pine Nut Sauce
- Pomodoro Sauce (Tomato and Vegetable Sauce)
- Prosciutto Cream Sauce
- Quick Tomato Sauce
- Spinach Sauce
- Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
- Tomato-Pepper Sauce

Meat Sauces:
- Bolognese Sauce
- Ragu Calabrese (Sausage Sauce, Southern Italian Style)

SALADS
- Arugula and Hazelnut Salad
- Carrots with Pine Nuts
- Fennel Salad
- Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad
- Pole Bean Salad

SOUPS AND SIDES
- Caponata
- Onions and Peppers
- Sautéed Veggie Mix

MAIN COURSES
- Baked White Fish with Olive and Caper Sauce
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Grilled Veggie Lasagna
- Steamed Mussels with Tomato and Garlic
- Stuffed Zucchini

DESSERTS
- Cream Cheese and Raspberry Dessert
- Italian Cheese Pie